Problems of Pronunciation for the Chittagonian Learners of English: A Case Study

Abstract

The study focuses on the scenario of English pronunciation of the speakers at the tertiary level at International Islamic University Chittagong in Bangladesh, dealing with existing pronunciation style of the students of Chittagong background and tries to identify the influence of the Chittagonian variety in this regard. The study is qualitative by nature and the methods of data collection consist of record keeping of words through direct interview, reading passages, presentation and dialogues with a view to avoiding confusion regarding pronunciation. The results of the study are the mispronunciation of some commonly used English words because of the influence of Chittagonian variety, ignorance and lack of knowledge of the Standard English pronunciation system, etc. On the basis of the findings, some recommendations have been suggested so that the students could create self-awareness about the standard pronunciation of English; also the teachers should be familiarized with the standard pronunciation of English, etc.

Key words: Chittagonian English speaker, Chittagonian variety, Pronunciation problem, Tertiary level.