Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 15. Number 2, June 2024                                    Pp.376-389

Updating Pronunciation Deviations on Sound-Segments Exhibited by Vietnamese Students in English Speaking

Foreign Languages Faculty,
Dong Thap University, Cao Lanh City, Vietnam

Abstract:

The present study is aimed to examine Vietnamese students’ deviations in sound segments when they speak English. To its end, two research questions were raised: (1) what pronunciation deviations on English sounds are empirically made by Vietnamese students in English speaking? (2) what deviations appear to resemble those found in other countries? Mixed research methods, including the recordings of oral interactions among learners and between the teacher and learners, were used by the present study. Quantitative data were empirically cumulatively documented over two successive academic years 2021/22, and 2022/23. Results showed that being synthesized with deviations from prior research across countries, two prominent pronunciation deviation processes on English sounds shared by Vietnamese students and others worldwide are: (A) dropping sounds and (B) altering/substituting sounds. However, the process of adding/inserting sounds reported in some previous studies is not evident from the present data. Accordingly, detailed discussions are delivered about the role of the first language in benefiting or impeding the mastery of English pronunciation. Further studies are also suggested for deeper insights into the related issues.
Keywords: English speaking, pronunciation deviation, second language, sounds, Vietnamese

Cite as:

Hung, D. M. (2024). Updating Pronunciation Deviations on Sound-Segments Exhibited by Vietnamese
Students in English Speaking. Arab World English Journal, 15(2), 376-389.

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Dr. Do Minh Hung has been teaching English at Dong Thap University, Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap Province, Vietnam, for nearly 25 years. He holds a doctoral degree in Applied Linguistics and has published several journal articles in the areas of English instruction and English-Vietnamese translation. ORCID ID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9140-8404