Problematic Areas of the Pronunciation of /p, v/ of Iraqi Learners According to Optimality Theory View: An Error Analysis Study

Abstract

"English pronunciation is so difficult", this is a familiar statement English teachers often hear from their students in Iraq. Whenever a teacher makes a pronunciation test to his students or examines the speaking skills of them, he encounters with their inability to pronounce correctly in general and certain sounds in particular. From my own observation and work experience it is obvious that Iraq students of English whose language background is Iraqi Spoken Arabic have problems with the pronunciation of certain English consonant sound contrasts such as /b, p/ and /f, v/. However, this case is familiar almost in all English classes of Iraqi learners studying English as a second language. The present study is an attempt to tap this problem so as to find solution to help students overcome it. In accordance with this line, the research study aims at identifying the problematic areas in this respect, exploring the principal phenomena underlying them under the umbrella of optimality theory and suggesting some remedies for assisting students overcoming this challenging. The results show that subjects performed differently regarding each sound in each environment. Nevertheless, they do have difficulty in pronouncing /p, v/ which effect on their ability to read correctly and then communicate effectively. In brief and after analyzing the data, it is found that the reasons behind these pronunciation difficulties are many factors such as interference, the differences in the sound system in both languages, inconsistency of English sounds and spelling which all work against improving the competence of Iraqi students of English in pronunciation. Accordingly, the research has put forward a number of recommendations, like, for example constructing educational program concentrating on learning these sounds