English Language: The Speaking Fluency of Primary Thai Students

Abstract

In today's interconnected world, English fluency is a crucial skill transcending cultural and geographical boundaries for Thai university students. This article explores the challenges they face in achieving spoken English fluency, addressing linguistic, psychological, and pedagogical factors. The differences in pronunciation, intonation, sentence structure, and alphabets between Thai and English pose hurdles. Traditional lecture-centric approaches may hinder conversational skills, and class sizes limit personalized attention. The article advocates for communicative teaching methods, emphasizing language as a dynamic tool for communication. Language exchange programs and cafes facilitate genuine linguistic interaction with native speakers. Multimedia, such as movies, TV shows, and podcasts, enrich fluency, though Thai-dubbed movies hinder exposure to authentic English. The transformation of learning environments into supportive spaces, where mistakes are embraced as opportunities for growth, is crucial. Constructive feedback and collaborative activities foster confidence. In conclusion, the article aims to guide educators and students by addressing challenges and proposing solutions. As global communication expands, cultivating spoken English becomes both a personal achievement and a societal contribution