The impact of vietnamese regional language on speaking english abiliy

Additionally, it can contribute to our understanding of how Vietnamese speakers navigate the challenges of acquiring and adapting to standard English pronunciation norms, considering the

BỘ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC TÂY ĐÔ NGÀNH NGÔN NGỮ ANH

TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC TÂY ĐÔ TAY DO UNIVERSITY

THE IMPACT OF VIETNAMESE REGIONAL LANGUAGE ON

SPEAKING ENGLISH ABILITY

L.INTRODUCTION :

The English language holds a prominent position in today's globalized world English has transcended its origins as a language spoken by a relatively small population in England and has evolved into the lingual francs of our modern era With over 1.5 billion speakers worldwide, it serves as a common

means of communication between individuals from different linguistic backgrounds As a global language, English facilitates cross-cultural understanding, enabling people to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas across borders Its ubiquity In international diplomacy, business transactions, and

academic discourse has rendered it indispensable for effective global communication English has

emerged as the preeminent language of our time, wielding an unparalleled influence on global communication, education, and economic opportunities In an interconnected world where borders are increasingly blurred, the significance of English cannot be overstated This essay delves into the multifaceted importance of the English language, exploring its role as a lingual francs, its impact on education and career prospects, and its ability to bridge diverse cultures.One of the remarkable attributes of English is its ability to bridge diverse cultures As a language that has absorbed

vocabulary and expressions from various sources, English serves as a melting pot of linguistic

influences It acts as a conduit for cultural exchange, allowing individuals to share their perspectives, traditions, and stories on a global platform English literature, films, music, and art have transcended

national boundaries, enriching the cultural fabric of societies worldwide However, the pronunciation

of English varies across different regions and is influenced by the native languages spoken in those

regions This raises an intriguing question: how does the influence of regional languages impact the pronunciation of English? Exploring this topic not only sheds light on the dynamic nature of language but also has implications for language teaching and learning

In Vietnam, it is home to a multitude of regional languages and dialects, each with its distinct phonetic

characteristics and pronunciation patterns From the northern region with its melodic tones to the

central region with its robust intonation, and the southern region with its rhythmic cadence, these regional languages have shaped the speech patterns and phonetics of the Vietnamese people The

influence of regional languages on English pronunciation is a natural consequence of the linguistic

landscape, as individuals carry their linguistic backgrounds and habits into their English language learning journey

To provide a comprehensive understanding of this topic, we will review previous research conducted

in the field) By examiming the existing literature, we atm to identify the key findings and

methodologies used in previous studies, highlighting their contributions to our understanding of the subject matter However, despite the wealth of research available, there appears to be a gap in the

pronunciation Previous studies have primarily focused on well-known regional accents within English-

speaking countries, such as British Received Pronunciation (RP), American General American (GA),

or specific dialects within those regions However, the specific influence of Vietnamese regional

languages, which encompass distinct phonetic features and pronunciation patterns, has received limited

attention While research in the field of sociolinguistics and phonetics has explored various factors

influencing English pronunciation, such as regional accents, social backgrounds, and educational

levels, the influence of regional language on pronunciation has been largely overlooked This

represents a significant gap in our understanding of the impact of religious language on English

pronunciation patterns and variations.(Tiewtrakul, T., & Fletcher, S (2010d) ; Bobda, A S (2003b) ;

Pardo, J S (2006) )

In the field of sociolinguistics and phonetics, research has extensively explored various factors

influencing English pronunciation, such as regional accents, social backgrounds, and educational

levels However, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding the influence of Vietnamese regional languages on English pronunciation This represents a crucial omission in our understanding

of how Vietnamese regional languages shape pronunciation patterns and variations in English

Previous studies have primarily focused on well-known regional accents within English-speaking

countries, such as British Received Pronunciation (RP), American General American (GA), or specific

dialects within those regions However, the specific influence of Vietnamese regional languages, which

encompass distinct phonetic features and pronunciation patterns, has received limited attention By neglecting the influence of Vietnamese regional languages on English pronunciation, previous research has overlooked an important aspect of language variation and the impact of diverse linguistic backgrounds on pronunciation Vietnamese regional languages, such as Northern Vietnamese, Southern Vietnamese, or Central Vietnamese, exhibit unique phonetic characteristics, tonal variations,

and pronunciation norms that significantly differ from standard English Understanding the influence of Vietnamese regional languages on English pronunciation can provide valuable insights into the sociolinguistic dynamics and the role of linguistic backgrounds in shaping language variation

Additionally, it can contribute to our understanding of how Vietnamese speakers navigate the

challenges of acquiring and adapting to standard English pronunciation norms, considering the

influence of their native regional languages

Therefore, this dissertation aims to fill the gap in previous research by investigating the influence of

Vietnamese regional languages on English pronunciation to explore the specific influence of

Vietnamese regional languages, such as Northern Vietnamese, Southern Vietnamese, or Central Vietnamese, on the pronunciation of English among Vietnamese speakers By conducting a detailed analysis, we aim to identify and understand the distinct phonetic and phonological characteristics of these regional languages that may impact the pronunciation of English By examining the phonetic and

phonological aspects of Vietnamese regional language usage, we can gain a deeper understanding of

how regional pronunciation patterns and variations interact with standard English pronunciation to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of Vietnamese regional languages on English pronunciation The findings will contribute to the field of sociolinguistics and phonetics by shedding light on the specific linguistic factors that influence the pronunciation of English among Vietnamese speakers from different regions This knowledge can be utilized in language teaching and learning

contexts to enhance the accuracy and intelligibility of English pronunciation for Vietnamese leamers The structure of this research will consist of the following sections: an introduction to the topic and research objectives, a comprehensive literature review, a methodology section outlining the research approach and data collection methods, an analysis of the findings, and a conclusion highlighting the key insights and implications of the study By following this structure, we aim to provide a systematic

and rigorous exploration of the influence of regional languages on English pronunciation

II LITERATURE REVIEW :

2.1 Definitions of pronunciation skill :

The influence of native languages on second language acquisition, including pronunciation, has been a topic of extensive research in the field of applied linguistics In the case of Vietnamese learners of English, the impact of their regional languages on English pronunciation has attracted significant

attention This literature review aims to provide an overview of the existing research on the influence

of Vietnamese regional languages, such as Northern Vietnamese, Southern Vietnamese, or Central Vietnamese, on English pronunciation

To establish a common understanding within this study, it is crucial to define key terms related to the topic The following definitions will provide clarity and context for the subsequent discussions:

Vietnamese regional languages encompass the various dialects and linguistic variations spoken in different regions of Vietnam These regional languages include Northern Vietnamese, Southern Vietnamese, and Central Vietnamese Each regional language possesses its own unique phonetic, phonological, and tonal characteristics, which can influence the pronunciation of English by Vietnamese learners

The term "Vietnamese regional languages" refers to the various dialects and language variations spoken across different regions of Vietnam These regional languages exhibit distinct phonetic,

phonological, and suprasegmental features that influence the pronunciation of English by Vietnamese

learners For example, Tran (2017) defines Vietnamese regional languages as "the linguistic variations found in different regions of Vietnam, such as Northern Vietnamese, Southern Vietnamese, and Central Vietnamese, each characterized by unique phonetic and phonological features." These regional

language variations can impact the way Vietnamese learners produce English sounds and intonation

patterns

English Pronunciation: "English pronunciation" refers to the ability to accurately produce and

articulate sounds, stress patterns, intonation, and rhythm in the English language It encompasses the mastery of English phonetic and phonological features Smith (2019) provides a definition by stating that English pronunciation is "the skill of producing English sounds, syllable stress, and intonation patterns in a manner that is comprehensible and natural to native English speakers." Vietnamese learners may encounter challenges in acquiring and reproducing these features due to the influence of their native language

Impact: The term "impact" in the context of this study refers to the influence, effect, or consequences

of Vietnamese regional languages on the pronunciation of English by Vietnamese learners Nguyen (2020) defines the impact of Vietnamese regional languages on English pronunciation as "the challenges and difficulties faced by Vietnamese learners in acquiring and reproducing English sounds,

stress patterns, intonation, and rhythm due to the influence of their native language features." The

impact can manifest in various ways, such as mispronunciations, difficulties in conveying meaning through intonation, and struggles with syllable stress and rhythm

By understanding these definitions, we can delve deeper into the challenges faced by Vietnamese learners and identify strategies to address these pronunciation difficulties In the following sections, we will examine specific phonetic, phonological, and suprasegmental features of Vietnamese regional

languages that impact English pronunciation Additionally, we will analyze the concepts of

interference and transfer as they relate to the acquisition and production of English sounds by Vietnamese learners Through a comprehensive exploration of these concepts, we aim to gain insights into the underlying factors contributing to pronunciation difficulties and propose pedagogical

approaches for enhancing English pronunciation among Vietnamese learners

2.2 The essential of right pronunciation:

The importance of English pronunciation in the context of Vietnamese learners cannot be understated Accurate pronunciation plays a crucial role in effective communication, as it enables learners to

convey their ideas clearly and be understood by native English speakers This section explores the significance of English pronunciation, supported by specific citations from previous dissertations and

theses, within the broader context of the impact of Vietnamese regional languages on pronunciation

One of the key aspects of English pronunciation is intelligibility Intelligible pronunciation allows learners to be understood by native speakers, facilitating effective communication Smith's (2018) dissertation highlights the importance of intelligibility, stating that "clear and intelligible pronunciation 1s essential for successful communication in English It enables learners to express their thoughts and ideas accurately, ensuring effective interaction with native English speakers." This citation emphasizes the significance of English pronunciation in facilitating meaningful communication

Furthermore, pronunciation also contributes to learners’ confidence and self-expression When learners

are able to pronounce English words and phrases accurately, they feel more confident in their ability to communicate Nguyen's (2019) thesis explores this aspect, stating that "developing good pronunciation skills boosts learners' confidence, enabling them to participate actively in conversations and express

themselves more effectively." This citation underscores the positive impact of pronunciation on

learners' self-assurance and overall language proficiency

Another crucial aspect of pronunciation is its role in conveying meaning and nuance Different sounds,

stress patterns, and intonation contours can alter the meaning of words and sentences Vietnamese learners face challenges in mastering these aspects due to the influence of their native language Tran's (2020) research highlights this issue, stating that "accurate pronunciation is crucial for conveying subtle nuances and emotions in English Vietnamese learners often struggle with intonation and stress patterns, which can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations." This citation emphasizes that

pronunciation proficiency is essential for accurately conveying meaning and emotion in spoken English

Moreover, pronunciation contributes to successful language acquisition and integration When learners

pronounce English words and phrases correctly, they enhance their overall language proficiency and assimilation into English-speaking communities Jones (2017) argues that "good pronunciation

facilitates the integration of Vietnamese learners into English-speaking environments, as it enables

them to communicate effectively and be understood by native speakers." This citation highlights the importance of pronunciation in promoting learners' linguistic and social integration

In conclusion, English pronunciation holds significant importance for Vietnamese learners It

contributes to intelligibility, confidence, effective communication, conveying meaning and nuance, and successful language acquisition and integration By recognizing the importance of pronunciation, educators and learners can focus on developing strategies and techniques to address the challenges posed by Vietnamese regional languages and enhance English pronunciation skills The subsequent

sections of this thesis will delve into specific phonetic, phonological, and suprasegmental features of Vietnamese regional languages and their impact on English pronunciation, providing insights and recommendations for pedagogical approaches

The evaluation of previous reviews reveals consistent observations regarding the impact of Vietnamese

regional languages on English pronunciation One recurring finding is the influence of phonetic and

phonological features on the acquisition and production of English sounds Vietnamese learners encounter difficulties in reproducing English intonation patterns and stress patterns due to the tonal nature of their native languages.Previous research on the impact of Vietnamese regional languages on English pronunciation has shed light on the challenges faced by Vietnamese learners in acquiring and reproducing English sounds accurately These studies have explored the phonetic, phonological, and suprasegmental aspects of Vietnamese regional languages, such as Northern Vietnamese, Southern Vietnamese, and Central Vietnamese, and their influence on the pronunciation of English This section evaluates and synthesizes the key findings and arguments presented in the literature review, providing

a comprehensive understanding of the topic While the existing research has provided valuable insights into the impact of Vietnamese regional languages on English pronunciation, it 1s essential to note that certain limitations and gaps exist Many studies have primarily focused on the pronunciation difficulties faced by Vietnamese learners without thoroughly investigating the underlying cognitive and linguistic factors contributing to these challenges Additionally, the majority of research has been conducted within the context of classroom settings, and there is a need for more studies that explore the

impact of Vietnamese regional languages on English pronunciation in naturalistic and communicative

contexts The evaluation of previous reviews and the incorporation of affirming citations highlight the

influence of Vietnamese regional languages on the pronunciation of English by Vietnamese learners The phonetic, phonological, and suprasegmental features, along with the concepts of interference and

transfer, play significant roles in shaping the learners' pronunciation patterns These findings provide a foundation for understanding the challenges faced by Vietnamese learners and inform the development

of effective pedagogical strategies for improving English pronunciation

2.3 Problems in pronunciation when having the Vietnamese religion impaction

The impact of Vietnamese regional languages on English pronunciation poses significant challenges for Vietnamese learners The distinct phonetic, phonological, and suprasegmental features present in

regional languages can hinder learners' ability to accurately produce English sounds, stress patterns,

and intonation This section aims to explore the problems in pronunciation caused by the influence of Vietnamese regional languages, supported by specific examples and explanations derived from a literature review

2.3.1 The Influence of Vietnamese Regional Languages on English Consonants

The pronunciation of English consonants poses significant challenges for Vietnamese learners due to the influence of regional languages In this essay, we will explore how the absence of certain consonant sounds in Vietnamese regional languages impacts the pronunciation of English consonants Drawing upon the findings of relevant literature, we will provide specific examples and explanations to shed light on this issue Vietnamese regional languages lack several consonant sounds present in English, leading to difficulties in accurate pronunciation Let us examine some specific examples:

English is characterized by the interdental fricatives /6/ (as in "think") and /6/ (as in “this") However, these sounds do not exist in Vietnamese regional languages As a result, Vietnamese learners tend to substitute them with sounds that are more familiar to them For instance, "think" may be pronounced as

"sink," and "this" may be pronounced as "sis." This substitution is attributed to the absence of the /0/ and /6/ sounds in Vietnamese regional languages (Smith, 2018).Another challenge arises with the voiced dental fricative /6/ (as in "that") Vietnamese learners often replace this sound with the voiceless alveolar fricative /s/ Consequently, words like "that" may be pronounced as "sat." The substitution

of // with /s/ is influenced by the absence of the /6/ sound in Vietnamese regional languages (Nguyen,

2017)

Vietnamese regional languages do not distinguish between the English /v/ and /w/ sounds This lack

of distinction results in difficulties for Vietnamese learners in producing these sounds accurately For example, "very" may be pronounced as "wery," and "wine" may be pronounced as "vine" (Nguyen,

2017)

According to studies by Nguyen (2017) and Smith (2018), Vietnamese learners tend to transfer phonological patterns from their native language to English.They rely on the phonetic inventory of Vietnamese, which lacks certain consonant sounds, resulting in substitutions or mispronunciations This transfer of phonological patterns from Vietnamese regional languages to English is a major contributing factor to the challenges faced by Vietnamese learners in pronouncing English consonants The influence of Vietnamese regional languages on English consonant pronunciation 1s evident in the challenges faced by Vietnamese learners The absence of specific sounds in Vietnamese regional languages contributes to mispronunciations of English consonants By understanding these influences and implementing effective teaching strategies, educators can help Vietnamese learners improve their pronunciation skills and enhance their overall English language proficiency

2.3.2 The Impact of Vietnamese Regional Languages on English Vowels

The influence of Vietnamese regional languages on the pronunciation of English vowels has

significant implications for Vietnamese learners This essay aims to provide a detailed analysis of the

impact of Vietnamese regional languages on English vowel pronunciation through a comprehensive

literature review By presenting specific evidence and explanations from research papers, we will explore this topic in depth and provide relevant examples

Vietnamese learners encounter various challenges in pronouncing English vowels due to the influence

of their regional languages Let us examine some specific examples:

- Vowel Quantity: Vietnamese regional languages typically have a smaller number of vowel sounds compared to English This can lead to difficulties for learners in distinguishing and producing the numerous vowel sounds in English For instance, the difference between the short /e/ sound in "cat" and the long /e1/ sound in "mate" may be challenging for Vietnamese learners due to the absence of such distinctions in their regional languages (Tran, 2018)

Vietnamese regional languages have different vowel qualities compared to English For example, the

Vietnamese language has five vowel qualities, while English has around 15 vowel sounds Vietnamese

learners may struggle to accurately produce the specific vowel qualities found in English words, leading to mispronunciations and difficulties in conveying meaning effectively (Nguyen, 2020) -Vowel Reduction: Vietnamese regional languages typically lack vowel reduction, a feature commonly found in English Vowel reduction refers to the reduction of unstressed vowels to a schwa sound (/9/) Vietnamese learners may find it challenging to correctly reduce vowels in unstressed syllables in English words, leading to incorrect stress patterns and potential misunderstandings (Le, 2017)

The literature provides detailed explanations for the impact of Vietnamese regional languages on

English vowel pronunciation:

-Phonological Transfer:Phonological transfer occurs when learners apply the phonetic features of their native language to their target language Vietnamese learners often transfer the vowel qualities and phonetic features of their regional languages to English, resulting in difficulties in accurately

producing English vowel sounds This transfer can lead to vowel substitutions or mispronunciations

For example, Vietnamese learners may pronounce the English word "bed" as "bad" due to the absence

of the short /e/ sound in their regional languages (Tran, 2018)

- L1 Interference: The influence of the Vietnamese language as the learners’ first language (L1) can

interfere with the acquisition of English vowels The inherent vowel system of Vietnamese regional languages may cause learners to rely on their L1 vowel patterns when producing English vowels This

interference affects their ability to perceive and produce English vowel sounds accurately For instance, Vietnamese learners may pronounce the English word "ship" with a centralized vowel instead

of the correct /1/ sound due to the influence of the central vowel system in their regional languages (Nguyen, 2020)

Understanding the impact of Vietnamese regional languages on English vowel pronunciation has important implications for language teaching and learning Educators can implement the following remedial measures based on the literature

Providing explicit instruction on English vowel sounds and their corresponding phonetic

representations can help Vietnamese learners develop awareness of the specific vowel qualities found

in English This instruction can include visual aids, audio recordings, and interactive activities to

enhance learners’ recognition and production of English vowels For example, teachers can use

spectrograms to visually demonstrate the differences between Vietnamese and English vowels

Encouraging learners to engage in mimicking and repetition exercises can improve their ability to

produce accurate English vowel sounds Learners should listen to native English speakers and imitate their pronunciation, paying close attention to vowel quality, duration, and stress patterns Regular practice and feedback are vital for developing proficiency in English vowel pronunciation For instance, learners can practice repeating vowel sounds in minimal pairs, such as /:/ and /I/, to accurately distinguish between them

Highlighting the differences in vowel sounds between Vietnamese regional languages and English can help learners overcome pronunciation challenges Comparative exercises that focus on contrasting vowel pairs, such as /ze/ vs /e1/ or /1/ vs /i:/, can enhance learners' ability to discriminate and produce English vowel sounds accurately Teachers can create exercises that involve minimal pairs and provide feedback to ensure learners grasp the distinctions between similar vowel sounds

The impact of Vietnamese regional languages on English vowel pronunciation presents significant challenges for Vietnamese learners Differences in vowel quantity, quality, and reduction contribute to

these challenges By understanding the underlying factors and implementing appropriate teaching

strategies, educators can assist learners in improvingtheir pronunciation skills and

2.3.3 The Impact of Vietnamese Regional Languages on English Stress Patterns and Intonation English stress patterns and intonation pose significant challenges for Vietnamese learners due to the influence of their native regional languages This essay aims to explore the impact of Vietnamese

regional languages on English pronunciation, specifically focusing on the difficulties encountered by

Vietnamese learners in acquiring accurate stress patterns and intonation By providing specific

examples and explanations from relevant literature, we will delve into this topic in detail

Vietnamese learners often face difficulties in mastering the intricate stress patterns of English words and sentences