A Survey Of English Pronunciation Errors Caused By Dialect And Accent Differences Among Students

Abstract

English pronunciation is one of the most important aspects of language learning because it influences communication effectiveness and speaking intelligibility. However, many students experience difficulties in pronouncing English words accurately due to the influence of their native dialects and regional accents. The purpose of this study is to investigate English pronunciation errors caused by dialect and accent differences among students and to identify the factors contributing to these errors. This survey research employed pronunciation tests, audio recordings and questionnaires to collect data from students. The pronunciation test was used to identify common pronunciation errors, while audio recordings provided detailed evidence of students' spoken production. Questionnaires were administered to explore students' linguistic backgrounds, dialect use and attitudes toward English pronunciation. The findings indicate that dialect and accent differences significantly influence students' pronunciation performance. Common errors include vowel substitutions, consonant mispronunciations, word stress errors and difficulties in producing unfamiliar English sounds. The study also reveals that language interference from the first language and local dialects contributes to pronunciation problems. The results highlight the importance of pronunciation instruction, awareness of dialect influences and continuous speaking practice in improving students' pronunciation skills. This study contributes to English language teaching by providing insights into pronunciation challenges faced by students from diverse dialect backgrounds.

Keywords: English Pronunciation, Pronunciation Errors, Dialect Differences, Accent Influence, Language Interference