The Interference of the Mother Tongue in EFL Learners’ Pronunciation

Abstract

Effective speaking is not simply a matter of utilising words. It requires a complex process of producing speech that accurately conveys the intended meaning. Among these processes, pronunciation stands out as a significant one. Numerous English language learners encounter pronunciation difficulties due to various reasons, including the influence of their native language. This study examines the impact of the Algerian dialect as a variety of Arabic in English pronunciation by conducting research among first-year English students at AbdElhafid Boussouf University Center - Mila. This research paper aims to identify the obstacles that foreign language learners face in pronouncing English, identify their errors, and find solutions for them to sound like natives. The study employs a mixed-model approach consisting of a teachers' questionnaire and an observation during the oral expression module. The main focus of this study is to identify the main causes of language interference in second-language learning, particularly pronunciation. The results showed that linguistic differences and first-language competency level were the main causes of language interference rather than language similarity. The questionnaire results revealed that first-year students have a variety of pronunciation difficulties when speaking English, including difficulty mastering the pronunciation of sounds, stress patterns, and intonation patterns of the language. The study also suggests that oral practice is the most crucial method for mastering pronunciation and preventing language interference. Overall, the findings of this study contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the study of the interference of the mother tongue in the acquisition of a second language pronunciation by providing more insight into the specific ways that the mother tongue, Arabic, can impact the pronunciation of English as a second language.