Synopsis for M.

A TEFL
Problem in Learning English Pronunciation at Degree Level in
District Mirpur Azad Kashmir

Almas Ahmed Khan

Roll No. AP508958

Supervised by:

Signature of Student Signature of Supervisor

Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics

Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Topic Page No.

1. Introduction 01

2. Statement of the problem 02

3. Objectives 02

4. Abstract 02

5. Significance of the study 02

6. Literature Review 03

7. Research Question 03

8. Delimitation 03

9. Population 03

10. Sample 04

11. Research Tools 04

12. Questionnaire 04

13. Population and Sample Framework 04

14. Data Collection 04

15. Data Analysis 04

16. Conclusion 05

17. Recommendation 05

18. Bibliography 06
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Introduction:
Great work has been done on the issue of problems faced in learning correct
English pronunciation. Despite this, there is immensely growing interest in the idea
to work on this issue. So it is a day-to-day matter of discussion. Much focus and
concern is paid on this issue. The aim of this study is to explore the hurdles and
barriers that count a lot in learning correct English pronunciation as a second
language.
This study is to identify major factors which are responsible or source of
problems in learning English pronunciation. In the Govt. College of Mirpur Azad
Kashmir at the Degree level. Focus will be on pointing out the major problems as
well as such issues, like First Language, Cultural Conflicts and background of the
learners, which may cause as a hurdle in learning correct English pronunciation.
The study will be made in the form of “Survey Research” in the Degree Colleges of
District Mirpur Azad Kashmir. The purpose of the study is to point out causing
elements and suggest remedial measures in order to promote correct learning and
teaching of English Pronunciation.
The current situation of learning and teaching of English Pronunciation is
not so satisfactory, it is not taken as a matter of great deal on the both sides, i.e.
learning and teaching. The majority of the citizens of District Mirpur is living
abroad, so the tendency of abroad settlement is very common in practice by the
people of this region. But when the students, who have completed their studies at
the Degree level, come across to the challenge of communicating in English, they
are at difficulty to speak English in its true accent and pronunciation. In the result
they are unable to use English as a medium of communication. This study aims at
pointing out major barriers in learning English Pronunciation responsible for lack
of emphasizing on learning and teaching of correct English Pronunciation.
Necessary steps will be taken to practice and attain targeted objectives. It will
suggest remedial measures to overcome the problem and also helpful and
worthwhile for learners of District Mirpur region.
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Statement of the Problem:

The learners of English Language are not so good in English Pronunciation
in District Mirpur Azad Kashmir.

Objectives:
1. To highlight major factors involved in learning second language.
2. To explore sub-issues like cultural conflict, mother tongue influence in the way
to learn.
3. To make necessary arrangements to practice and attain targeted objectives.
4. To identify remedial measures to enhance the ability to use correct accent and
pronunciation.

Abstract:
The purpose of phenomenal study is to explore different concerning matters
which are cause of problems in learning English Pronunciation at Degree Level in
District Mirpur Azad Kashmir. The aim of study is to analyze the facts and suggest
remedial steps and attempt to improve and better learning English Pronunciation.
Emphasis will be given on promoting teaching and learning correct English
Pronunciation.

Significance of the Study:

The topic of this dissertation is immensely important vis-à-vis ever
increasing need of learning English (as second language). Going by biological and
cultural paradigms, we can priorities the skills of language. Speaking after
listening, is the most important phase of linguistic cognizance. Here the focus and
emphasis on correct oral expression ought to be great. This study underscores the
need of correct pronunciation and near-to-native accent which, in every sense,
contributes to the development/dissemination of language. Since language is a
compact, meaningful set of auditory units, pronunciation assumes huge significance
in teaching/learning language. A learner builds up active vocabulary through
gleaming/words and storing them in the form of auditory units. In case these units
are corrupted by the influence o mother tongue/teaching, the process of learning
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second language is marred. So it is need to study and develop the correct

pronunciation of students.

Literature Review:
Some experts claim that accent and pronunciation vary in native and non-
native speakers due to geographical variability as Ewa (2008) says: An element of
nature languages, variability characterizes both native and non-native speech. It is
found in reference, standard accent; nonstandard ones; native, accents of English as
the second foreign language. Taking up variability as the main theme, contributes
to this volume investigates different phenomena related to accents.
Some language pronunciation has immense influence of one’s native’s
language sounds as well. It matters a lot as Jameip has discussed his experience
related to the Thais as; The question has many answers. The learner’s first language
will have a massive influence on this. I teach in Thailand and some of the things the
Thais have difficulty with are the, “I” sound at the end of a word, “football” is said
as “footbon” and Thai doesn’t have initial “v” so “vodka” is “wodka”. Contrast this
with a German speaker. German has the “v” sound but not the “w”. SO they are
polar opposites in this case.

Research Question:
What are hurdles/problems faced by English Language learners in English
Pronunciation in District Mirpur?

Delimitation:
The study will limited to the selected Degree Colleges for Boys and girls
from Tehsil and District Mirpur A.K.

Population:
Students and teachers of five Degree Colleges of Tehsil and District Mirpur A.K
 4

Sample:
Random sampling technique will be used for the study. 10% students of
Degree level (final year) will be taken as sample of population and 2 teachers from
English Department of these colleges.

Research Tool:
Research will be conducted through questionnaire in order to collect data.

Questionnaire:
The questionnaire will be prepared with the supervision of the supervisor to
collect the objective data.

Population and Sampling Framework:

S.No. District Population Sample
1. District Mirpur ______ ______
2. Colleges 24 05 05 Colleges
3. Teachers ______ Teachers
4. Students ______ 1100 10%

Data Collection:
Data will be collected through questionnaire by students and teachers of
selected colleges.

Data Analysis:
Data will be analyzed on the basis of facts gathered through research
questionnaire.
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Conclusion:
On the basis of finding study will come to a conclusion.

Recommendation:
On the basis of findings further recommendations will be made in order to
expand the research.
 6

Bibliography:

Ewa Waniek-Klimczak, ed. 2008. Issues in Accents of English. Newcastle upon Tyne:
Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Jameip. 2008. Comments on a Research

Alex Case. (2019). Teaching pronunciation through body language and gestures.
Retrived on 28-05-2019 from www.usingenglish.com