Philippine E-Journals

First Language Influence on Second Language Phonology Among Visayan Speakers

Felix E. Arcilla Jr. | Esrah Joy A Soriano | Pinky Leonor B Bayeta

Discipline: Linguistics

 

Abstract:

In the Philippines, English holds power in the educational, economical, and national development of the country. This study was done to investigate whether the first language has an influence on second language phonology. The researchers used descriptive research approach. The participants were the four Visayan students of senior high school during the first semester academic year 2016- 2017. The participants were made to read a series of words that have sounds that were difficult for Filipinos to produce. It was put together to test the hypothesis and to pinpoint the sounds and areas of pronunciation. The recorded data were transcribed and analyzed based on the two categories listed by Emily Johnson (2010). Findings revealed that all participants have trouble articulating some, if not all, of both aspirated and unaspirated consonants. The participants have more errors in articulating the sound of p than the sounds of t and k. All participants have mispronounced the sounds of f, v, r, and th, but more so with th. It was suggested that language teachers conduct a needs analysis of the students’ phonological articulation ability in English. Next is to incorporate more drill activities on the articulation of English sounds that are difficult for the students to pronounce based on the needs analysis outcome. Lastly, language teachers can employ creative and meaningful activities in encouraging correct English phonology like poetry recitation contest held at different grade levels.