Investigating the Difficulties Facing Sudanese learners in pronouncing English Vowel Sounds

Abstract

The study aims at investigating the difficulties face Sudanese learners in pronouncing English vowel sounds. In order to investigate these difficulties, the researcher used descriptive analytical method. To collect data, the researcher designed a diagnostic Test. The sample consist of 30 fourth year English students from Sudan University of Science and Technology. Data collected then statistically analyzed by means of percentages. The findings discuss in the light of hypotheses. Findings reveal that majority of fourth year English students face difficulties in pronouncing English vowel sounds, some of them commit errors when transfer their first language (mother tongue) to the target language (Englishlanguage) and some of them commit errors when pronounce English vowel sounds as letters of alphabet rather than phonemes. The study provides some recommendations, such as students should be motivated to understand the importance of English vowel sounds.