Academic Scientific JournalsOmani ESL learners perception of their pronunciation needs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26881/bp.2020.1.04Keywords:
ESL, pronunciation needs, Omani ESL learners, strategies for pronunciation problemsAbstract
The aim of this study is to analyze Omani ESL learners perception of their pronunciation needs, problems related to Omani students’ pronunciation and strategies which students use to learn pronunciation. The paper also investigates if Omani students are conscious of their pronunciation obstacles. In this study, the observation and perception of Omani university students from Ad Dakhiliyah Region were examined in order to determine their pronunciation needs. As far as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are concerned, language skills are frequently taught separately and teachers focus more on some skills i.e. grammar, reading, writing and vocabulary than on pronunciation. Seidlhofer (2000) states that some researchers have noted that teachers treat pronunciation skills as the “Cinderella” of ESL teaching and pronunciation is regarded as an extra add-on. It is essential to investigate for a teacher what aspects and strategies of teaching pronunciation are the best for ESL students. The method of data collection was a questionnaire using the sample questions presented by Derwing and Rossiter (2002). The questionnaire was distributed among Omani university learners in Ad Dakhiliyah Region. Students were asked to fill in the questionnaire and return it the next day. The major research problem is focused on the possibility of improvement of pronunciation teaching strategies. The research was conducted by the author during his professional work as a university lecturer in the Ad Dakhiliyah region in the Sultanate of Oman.
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