Factors Influence Learners’ English Speaking Skill at a Vietnamese University and Suggestions for Improvement

Abstract

Speaking is one of the most important skills to be developed and enhanced as a means of effective communication in second language learning context. Speaking skill is regarded one of the most difficult aspects of language learning. Many language learners find it difficult to express themselves in spoken language. They are generally facing problems to use the foreign language to express their thoughts effectively. They stop talking because they face psychological obstacles or cannot find the suitable words and expressions. This paper focuses on the factors affecting on language learners’ English speaking skill at Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI) and suggestions for improvement. This paper which traces out the body of research concerning the term speaking, the importance of speaking, characteristics of speaking performance, speaking problems of students at HaUI, factors affecting their speaking performance and suggestions for improvement can be useful to teachers to consider their language learners’ speaking needs in English language teaching and learning context.