THE IMPORTANCE OF PRONUNCIATION IN LANGUAGE LEARNING

Abstract

Pronunciation is a fundamental and often underemphasized aspect of language learning that plays a critical role in effective communication, listening comprehension, and overall language proficiency. In many English language classrooms, grammar and vocabulary are prioritized, while systematic pronunciation instruction receives less attention, despite its proven impact on learners’ intelligibility and confidence. This study explores the role of pronunciation in English language acquisition among 30 intermediate-level high school learners aged 15–17. Data were collected using a combination of surveys, oral interviews, reading-aloud tasks, pronunciation tests, and listening comprehension assessments to obtain both subjective and objective measures of learners’ pronunciation skills. Analysis of the results revealed that participants frequently mispronounced specific sounds, particularly dental fricatives /θ/ and /ð/, and struggled with vowel contrasts, which negatively affected communication clarity and self-confidence. Statistical analysis showed a significant positive correlation between pronunciation accuracy and listening comprehension scores (r = 0.68, p < 0.01), indicating that improved pronunciation directly contributes to better understanding of spoken English. Learners who engaged in structured pronunciation exercises, including repetition drills, minimal pair activities, and listening-based practice, demonstrated measurable improvements in speaking clarity, fluency, and confidence during oral communication. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating systematic and continuous pronunciation instruction into language learning curricula to enhance communicative competence, reduce misunderstandings, and foster learner motivation. The study also emphasizes the need for teacher awareness of pronunciation challenges and the benefits of targeted practice for adolescent learners. (Derwing & Munro, 2015).