"THE PRONUNCIATION OF DIPHTHONGS BY IRAQI LEARNERS OF ENGLISH "

Abstract

This study examines the phonetic problems that Iraqi speakers encounter when learning and speaking English. The analysis of the data collected reveal s that Iraqi learners face difficulty in the production of most English diphthongs. The comparative analysis between Iraqi English (IE) and Standard British English (BE) helps in determining which similarities and differences either facilitate or hinder communication. The study offers a phonetic description and analysis of IE as spoken by five Iraqis. First, the study explores the problems that these speakers face in the pronunciation of English. Second, it compares their spoken English with Standard British English (BE). Third, it reveals the pedagogical implications that result from the comparison.