THE INFLUENCE OF FIRST LANGUAGE ON ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: ANALYZING HOW L1 INFLUENCES THE PHONETIC AND PHONOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF SPOKEN ENGLISH
Abstract
The pronunciation of English as a second language is significantly influenced by a speaker’s first language (L1). This article examines how L1 affects the phonetic and phonological aspects of spoken English, focusing on challenges in articulation, stress, intonation, and phoneme production. By reviewing studies from 2005 to 2024, the research analyzes how L1 phonological systems interfere with English pronunciation and identifies common errors among speakers of different linguistic backgrounds. Benefits of L1 influence, such as unique accents enhancing cultural identity, are discussed alongside challenges like miscommunication and reduced intelligibility. The findings suggest that L1 plays a critical role in shaping English pronunciation, particularly for non-native learners, and educators should incorporate L1-aware teaching strategies. Recommendations for language instructors and directions for future research are provided.
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