Updating Pronunciation Deviations on Sound-Segments Exhibited by Vietnamese Students in English Speaking

Abstract

The present study is aimed to examine Vietnamese students’ deviations in sound segments when they speak English. To its end, two research questions were raised: (1) what pronunciation deviations on English sounds are empirically made by Vietnamese students in English speaking? (2) what deviations appear to resemble those found in other countries? Mixed research methods, including the recordings of oral interactions among learners and between the teacher and learners, were used by the present study. Quantitative data were empirically cumulatively documented over two successive academic years 2021/22, and 2022/23. Results showed that being synthesized with deviations from prior research across countries, two prominent pronunciation deviation processes on English sounds shared by Vietnamese students and others worldwide are: (A) dropping sounds and (B) altering/substituting sounds. However, the process of adding/inserting sounds reported in some previous studies is not evident from the present data. Accordingly, detailed discussions are delivered about the role of the first language in benefiting or impeding the mastery of English pronunciation. Further studies are also suggested for deeper insights into the related issues.