Difficulties in Consonant Sound Pronunciation for the Undergraduate Learners at Aljouf University, Saudi Arabia
Difficulties in Consonant Sound Pronunciation for the Undergraduate Learners at Aljouf University, Saudi Arabia

Summary/Abstract: This study investigates difficulties in pronunciation faced by students of English enrolled in the B.A Programme at Al Jouf University, Saudi Arabia.The study set out to identify and describe difficulties in the pronunciation of selected consonant sounds in English. The study uses Eckman’s Markedness Model to troubleshoot causes of the difficulties so that a basis can be formulated for their remedy. Participants in the study were students at the irfourth level of study. Data was collected by classroom observation, tape recording and document analysis. Fifteen (15) informants were sampled and presented with words containing problematic consonant sounds in different positions. The results show that the students have difficulties pronouncing consonant sounds which are not in Arabic sound inventory as well as consonant sounds found in Arabic. The students also had problem spronouncing words which feature low or no grapheme – phone correspondence. Findings of this study bear implications for teaching English phonetics and phonology to native speakers of Arabic who learn English as a foreign language.

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