Challenges in Teaching and Learning English Phonetics and Phonology: Perspectives of Teachers and Students
Keywords:
English phonetics, phonology, pronunciation instruction, EFL, intelligibility, teacher trainingAbstract
This review paper examines the main challenges of teaching and learning English phonetics and phonology in EFL contexts, with a particular focus on Arab learners in Libya. Drawing on literature published between 2000 and 2024, I argue that four core barriers persist: first language interference, insufficient attention to suprasegmental features, inadequate teacher preparation, and limited technological resources. In contrast to earlier goals of native-like accent, this review adopts intelligibility as the primary objective of pronunciation instruction. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for teacher training and classroom implementation. Addressing these challenges is essential for enhancing learners’ overall communicative competence.
