Investigating the Problems Encountered by University Students in Using English Spoken Discourse

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the problems of using English Spoken Discourse (ESD) among university students. The study attempted to know the main reasons behind these problems to suggest solutions for them. Lack of Communicative Competence was hypothesised as the main reason behind these problems. The population of the study were forty ESP practitioners; males and females who work at different High Institutions in Khartoum State. A questionnaire (Appendix 1) was used to get their opinions. The collected data was analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). In addition, eighty EST Sudanese learners; males and females, were selected randomly from EST colleges in their first year of study at Sudan University of Science and Technology (SUST). An Oral Interview (Appendix 2) was addressed to these learners to investigate their ability of using ESD. Their answers were recorded, re-played and analysed by the researcher herself. A descriptive and analytical method was adopted for data processing. The findings revealed that these learners lack Communicative Competence that results in their inability of using ESD accurately, appropriately and flexibly, in their different social and academic settings. This is because Oral Communication Skills (OCS) are neither taught nor tested. The results also revealed that EST practitioners are not trained to teach these skills as the focus is on reading and writing skills rather than listening and speaking skills. The most important recommendations were teaching and testing of ESD, the use of authentic materials to motivate learners to speak successfully, efficiently and fluently, besides, training the practitioners in this field. Moreover, the study gave some suggestions for further research.