Uncovering factors that influence English pronunciation of native Somali speakers

Term

2006

Capstone

Thesis

Degree Name

MAESL

Abstract

This study focused on uncovering the environmental and personal factors that influence the English pronunciation of adult native Somali speakers learning English. Two of the most important contributing elements derive from the learners' amount of daily exposure to English and the individual's attitude towards English pronunciation. This study was designed to further explore if and how much these factors affect a learner's pronunciation. Four adult intermediate level Somali students learning English volunteered to participate in a two-tiered investigation into their lives and their English pronunciation skills. All participants provided personal background information. Formal and informal speech samples were recorded. The results of this study indicate strong correlation between the environmental and personal factors and their abilities in English pronunciation. Implications for teachers as well as ideas for future research are discussed.

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