Investigating the Causes behind Pronunciation Problems Facing Sudanese University Students Majoring in English: A Case Study of Khartoum University Faculty of Arts, English Department

This study aimed at investigating the probable reasons behind English pronunciation problems facing Sudanese university students majoring in English. The researcher assumed that the differences between English and Arabic in consonants and vowels beside inadequate phonology courses are probable causes of this issue. The study pursued descriptive analytical method in the sense that it elaborates and analyzes the cause of the problem via statistical analysis of the gathered data. To obtain the required data for the study, the first tool used was a test presented to 50 students of the third year at Faculty of Arts, Khartoum University. The second tool was a questionnaire introduced to 20 teachers of the field at the same university. The validity and reliability of the study tools were confirmed firstly before being applied apparently by three referees of the field, then measured statistically. The analysis of the collected data revealed that the sound systems differences between English and Arabic causes the problem. In addition, the inadequacy of English syllabus concerning the number of the phonology courses and the consideration of the differences between English and Arabic.