Unveiling and Addressing Pronunciation Challenges in English Consonantal Phonemes for Foreign Language Learners

• Published in: International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology(IJACT) Vol. 12; no. 2; pp. 151 - 160
• Main Author: Joo Hyun Chun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 국제문화기술진흥원 30.06.2024
• Subjects: 과학기술학; phonemic awareness; contrastive analysis; English consonantal phonemes; Russian EFL learners
• ISSN: 2288-7202; 2288-7318
• DOI: 10.17703/IJACT.2024.12.2.151

Through the utilization of a contrastive analysis of English consonantal phonemes and their Russian counterparts, the present study investigates the challenges faced by Russian EFL learners in pronouncing English consonantal phonemes, with a particular focus on phoneme substitution errors as a principal source of erroneous pronunciation. We comprehensively explore the characteristics of both the English and Russian consonant systems, highlighting the differences between them. Based on this examination, the study aims to present the detailed articulatory characteristics and phonetic variations of Russian speakers' common mispronunciations or improper substitutes of English consonants, rather than focusing on shared ones between the two languages. Furthermore, it seeks to provide strategies for error correction and effective pedagogical strategies to address specific phonemic challenges and enhance accuracy. Grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the objectives and advantages of comparative analysis within the context of phonemic awareness, the study emphasizes the significant importance of pronunciation instruction. It points out that this area still appears somewhat overlooked in specific EFL teaching situations within the context of English language education.