Abstract
This paper discusses how English pronunciation system causes spelling errors among undergraduate Saudi students. The research participants were five students in English Language Department at Tabuk University and five English language lecturers from the same department. Semi-structured interviews designed for the lecturers and students, as well writing task distributed to the students were used to generate data for the study. The findings reveal that phonological differences between English and Arabic cause difficulty in the learners’ spelling. The students strive to write words in a similar way to how they are pronounced as they are unaware of the rules of English pronunciation which is totally different from their mother-tongue. The confusion with English pronunciation system causes several spelling errors, such as the errors related to final [e], vowels, silent letters and double consonants. This paper concludes that the Arab students need to be familiarized with English pronunciation system and they need to be made aware that English words are not necessarily spelt as how they are pronounced, which is in contrast to their mother tongue.
Highlights
Learning a foreign language always involves a number of challenges especially in the initial phases of learning where learners make linguistic, syntactic, semantic and phonological errors
From the responses shared by the three participants, it seems the differences between English and Arabic make it difficult for Saudi students to understand English pronunciation system and spell words in English correctly
This study has sought to provide insights into the spelling errors made by Saudi undergraduate EFL students while shading the light on the English pronunciation system as the main cause of Saudi students’ spelling errors
Summary
Learning a foreign language always involves a number of challenges especially in the initial phases of learning where learners make linguistic, syntactic, semantic and phonological errors. Conducting a systematic analysis of learners’ errors helps the understanding of their needs to learn the language in the best and fastest way This analysis can further help design curricula, teaching plans and methods, and ways to reduce or eliminate the difficulties identified. Enhanced literacy requires more than basic reading and writing skills; it demands the correct spelling of words. This pivotal component of writing is challenging for many students, especially Arabic-speaking students learning English. These learners are unable to spell English words correctly, in the majority of cases; as they consider English as only a second, unimportant language, they tend not to develop a command of the pronunciation and spelling of words
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
