Arab EFL University learners’ perceptions of the factors hindering them to speak English fluently
Abstract
Low English proficiency among EFL learners refers to two main factors and these are internal and external factors. Internal factors such as not confident when using English, negative attitudes and anxiety, while the external factors like the lack of opportunities to use English in and outside the classroom. The present study attempts to explore the factors that might hinder the EFL University students who were asked to fill out a questionnaire and 59 responded. Using a descriptive analysis, it was found that the major factors which might hinder these learners to speak fluently are mainly (I) practical constraints (The huge number of students inside the classroom reduce the chance of speaking.), (ii) pedagogy and syllabus (Discussions are missing in the classroom. No use of the audio means, and focusing on arts courses, (iii) practice (Lack of practicing speaking in the classroom and a few chances for practicing and applying English in and outside the classroom), (iv) linguistic insufficiency, namely, linguistic gap between students and lack of knowledge of the English rules and vocabulary, and (v) affective factors related to anxiety, attitudes and motivation in particular students being shy and embarrassed and they are not encouraged to speak in English.
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