Speech patterns of Libyan learners of English as a foreign language : a case study of Libyan students in Malta

Abstract

The present study explores the patterns of speech produced by Libyan learners of English as a foreign language in relation to age factor and its role in the process of English language learning. Also, this study investigates the wrong pronunciation of three English consonant sounds which are /p/, /Ɵ/, and /v/ made by Libyan learners when speaking English. The results of the study demonstrated that the age factor is an important one in language learning, however, there are other elements that have to be taken into consideration as effective factors that also can play a significant role in the process of English language learning. The outcomes also showed that Libyan learners commit errors in the articulation of the English sounds /p/, /Ɵ/, and /v/ when they speak English and the wrong production of those targeted sounds results in the occurrence of the „foreign accent‟ in their speech of English.