Investigating English Spelling Difficulties in Basic Level Pupils

Abstract

The present study aims at investigating English spelling difficulties at Basic level pupils, and reflecting the importance of spelling in learning English language. The researcher has followed the quantitative and analytical method to analyze the results. Two tools have been used for data, questionnaire for fifty teachers and test for eighty pupils in Omdurman locality. The data were analyzed by using the statistical programs (SPSS) which provides percentage results for questionnaire and test. The obtained findings indicate that the pupils should be trained of how to use dictionaries, also should learn phonetics and spelling rules to help them learn correct English spelling. The investigation showed that some of the main reasons of spelling errors include visual memory, silent letters, doubling consonant, lack of practice and first language interference. The researcher presented some recommendations to raise learner's awareness in using English spelling. These findings encourage the researcher forward to present some suggestions for further studies.