International Journal of Language & Literature

The Elimination of Pronunciation Problems of English Vowels of Saudi Students of English Resulting from Complex Letter-Sound Relationship
Dr. Ezzeldin Mahmoud Tajeldin Ali

Abstract
This study attempts to measure the influence of a language course on the elimination of pronunciation problems of English vowels that are experienced by Saudi students as a result of a complex letter-sound relationship. The course was intended to boost the students' awareness of the letter-sound relation of English vowels. The course comprised language items such the nature, classification and letter-sound relationship of vowels reinforced by practice activities. Test material comprised three lists of English monosyllabic, disyllabic and multi syllabic words that were arranged into pre-and–post tests for comparison purpose. The participants of the study included the students of English, at Al Baha University who do not have any kind of exposure to native English. In the tests, students were asked to pronounce words making advantage of deciphering and pronunciation abilities they developed after the course. Results revealed that the pronunciation of English vowels of Saudi students improved with respect to English vowel on monosyllabic and disyllabic words probably due to the language course. However, they have difficulty pronouncing deciphering vowel sounds in multi syllabic words. Although the course delivered is crucial for the improvement of learners' vowels pronunciation, listening practice will probably form a robust strategy in accomplishing the learners' awareness of pronunciation.

Full Text: PDF      DOI: 10.15640/ijll.v3n1a5