Is it really difficult to produce correct th (/? / and /?/) sounds in English for EFL learners? A case study in Northern Cyprus

Abstract

This study investigated how th (/? / and /?/) sounds could be improved if opportunities were provided to EFL learners in the Final International University in Kyrenia, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Twelve preparatory students were worked with and the data were gathered through interviews and a pronunciation test. The aim of the test was to reveal development and correct pronunciation of th (/? / and /?/) sounds by the participants. The performances of twelve participants were video-recorded to be listened and analysed. Two independent native raters listened to the recordings and rated the problematic sounds as correct or incorrect. After data collection, Microsoft Excel was used to calculate the coded and analysed data, and SPSS (Version 20) was used to find the percentages and the frequencies of the data. The results of the study indicated that language learners could acquire and improve their pronunciation if they feel motivated and were provided with natural opportunities in society. Further, the researchers believe that findings could be useful for both students and language teachers in Northern Cyprus. © 2019 JLLS and the Authors - Published by JLLS.