Assessing the Impact of Pronunciation Learning Strategy on Kurdish EFL Learners’ Pronunciation Accuracy

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of pronunciation learning strategies (in favor of Covert Rehearsal Model) in helping Kurdish EFL learners to acquire accuracy in English pronunciation and detecting the most frequently used strategy types and strategy group by the learners. A total of 50 Kurdish EFL students of Salahaddin University, English Department took part in the study. The instruments used for collecting data and information included were a validated questionnaire of pronunciation learning strategies. The questionnaire items were adopted from the synthesized taxonomy of pronunciation strategies presented by O'Malley & Chamots’ (1990) and Oxford's (1990) and adapted according to Kurdish learners' need. The results indicated that the use of various pronunciation learning strategies were useful for Kurdish learners to improve their pronunciation skills and then consolidate their self-confidence to bring positive changes in students' pronunciation performance.

Keywords

• covert rehearsal
• pronunciation learning strategy
• pronunciation improvement
• self-esteem development