An Analytical Study of the Recognition of Silent Letters in the Pronunciation of English Words by Baghdadi Arabic Speakers

Abstract

The phonetic system in English differs to some extent from that of Arabic. Novice Baghdadi Iraqi speakers encounter numerous challenges in pronouncing English words as a result of this. As an illustration, it is common to hear English learners articulate "assign” /əˈsaɪn/ as / əˈsaɪgn / or "kneel," / niːl/ as /k niːl/. The objective of this study is to detect prevalent distortions in the pronunciation of silent letters in English words among Baghdadi Iraqi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. The methodology employed in this analysis was a qualitative descriptive study. Utilizing purposive sampling methods, a sample of 5 English as a Foreign Language (EFL) novices was chosen from the 1st level of the English Department, Dijlah University, Iraq. These learners were categorized as novice high-level learners (beginners). Analytically descriptive methodology was employed to analyze the data obtained from tests. The findings of this study indicate that EFL novices make errors when pronouncing words that include silent letters such as b, c, d, g, gh, h, k, l, m, n, p, s, t, th, and w. The writers examine three positions of the silent letters in words (beginning, medial, and final), and, by that understanding, it becomes feasible to create valuable instructional resources and teaching techniques to address this matter.