The Impact of Phonological Processes on Speech Intelligibility of Students at the University of Lakki Marwat

https://doi.org/10.55966/assaj.2025.4.1.052

Abstract

Phonological processes are natural and systematic changes in sounds that occur during speech. These changes often impact non-native speakers’ understanding, particularly in contexts where English is used as a foreign language (EFL). This issue is prevalent in multilingual nations like Pakistan, where students’ native languages can interfere with learning a second language. The current study aims to investigate the phonological processes that influence the speech clarity of sixth-semester students from different departments at the Gambila Campus, University of Lakki Marwat (ULM), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). A mixed-method approach was used in this research, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were gathered through recordings of selected words, sentences, and a paragraph from students. The analysis involved IPA transcription, comparison with Received Pronunciation (RP), and thematic analysis of their feedback. The study’s results indicated that the most frequent phonological processes affecting clarity included vowel substitution, elision, intrusion, rhoticity, deaspiration, and diphthong simplification. These issues were mainly due to the students’ native language (Pashto), a lack of phonological awareness, and overgeneralization from written English. The study concludes that these phonological processes significantly impede students’ speech clarity, which affects effective communication in both academic and social settings. In the EFL classrooms at ULM, where both students and teachers are non-native English speakers, the influence of first language interference on pronunciation is substantial, underscoring the need for better pronunciation teaching and awareness of Standard English phonology.

Keywords: Phonological Processes, Pronunciation, Speech Intelligibility, EFL Classes, ULM