Problems of Teaching and Learning Spoken English in Sudan

Abstract

This paper investigates the problems and challenges of teaching spoken English in Sudan and its importance in the professional life and academic promotion of teachers. It also tackles the problems of learning spoken English on the part of students. The writer uses a questionnaire addressed to 30 English language teachers from the African Council Basic and Secondary schools in Khartoum North. The data was statistically analyzed by the SPSS program. The findings of this paper indicate that there are major problems that hinder Sudanese students from speaking English. Among these are low income of most learners; lack of the target language environment; under-qualified teachers; inappropriate teaching materials; improper teaching methods; and some psychological factors that hinder students when they speak such as lack of motivation. The study provides some recommendations to tackle these problems and enhance the processes of teaching and learning spoken English in Sudan. These are concerned with developing materials, teachers and learners through steps taken by the educational authorities.