International intelligibility of English spoken by college students in the Bashu dialect area of China

Abstract

Exploring English intelligibility in linguistically diverse environments, such as China, is crucial for improving cross-cultural dialog and tailoring language instruction to address the phonetic hurdles of non-native speakers. This research employed a phonetic experimental methodology to assess the intelligibility of English spoken by college students from the Bashu dialect region of Southwest China to an international audience. Data from 40 intermediate English-proficient students in Sichuan and Chongqing were analyzed using open-ended questionnaires and evaluative scales. The findings revealed that the influence of the Bashu dialect significantly impeded the accurate articulation of specific English phonemes, thereby exerting an impact on the international intelligibility of their spoken English. Notably, notwithstanding their conspicuous accents, the research concluded that the English enunciated by these students generally retained intelligibility for global audiences. The study identified a spectrum of pronunciation challenges, encompassing issues with phonetic sounds, recurrent mispronunciations, and variances in accent and prosody, collectively contributing to an overarching influence on intelligibility. Grounded in international listener feedback, this study proffers strategies to augment the intelligibility of spoken English among Chinese learners originating from dialect-specific regions, thereby fostering the amelioration of their communicative skills and bolstering their confidence when engaging with global audiences.