Phonemic awareness of English second language learners

Abstract

Background: The PA skills of phonological blending and segmentation and auditory word discrimination relate directly to literacy and may be weak in English second language (EL2) learners. In South Africa, literacy skills have been found to be poor in especially EL2 learners. Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of vowel perception and production intervention on phonemic awareness (PA) and literacy skills of Setswana first language (L1) learners. These learners are English second language (EL2) learners in Grade 3. Method: The present study employed a quasi-experimental, pre-test–post-test design. Results: The findings of low–literacy skill levels concurred with previous investigations. However, post-test results of intervention in PA seemed to improve the literacy skills of EL2 learners. Conclusion: PA skills should be a crucial part of the literacy curriculum in South Africa.

Keywords

• phonological awareness
• phonemic awareness
• segmentation
• blending
• literacy skills
• English Language of Learning and Teaching