Phonological Competence in ESL Classrooms: An Analysis of Segmental Features in the Speech of Nigerian Public Secondary School Teachers of English

Abstract

This study specifically examines segmental features in the speech of Nigerian Public Secondary School Teachers of English (NiPSSTE), with a view to identifying the extent of approximation to Standard British realisation. Some existing studies have generally addressed the pronunciation problems of users of English as a second language in Nigeria but not adequately paid special attention to teachers of the English language, who the students and society model after. This study adopted a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative research designs and chose the conceptual frameworks of Generative Phonology. Thirty (30) participants were chosen for this study. SFS/Praat sound recorder was used to record the participants’ reading of the already typed 19 sentences, with the target sound segments embedded in them. Questionnaire, which aims at extracting information on certain variables, was also administered. To vividly present findings, tables and statistical calculations were employed. The paper found that majority of the NiPSSTE scored below average, except only two (2) female NiPSSTE representing (6.7%) that scored above average for correct articulation of the test sounds. The pronunciation of the consonant phonemes – /ʧ, ʒ and h/ pose some challenges for the participants. The central vowels /ʌ, ɜ: and ə/ presents a greater problem for the NiPSSTE. The RP diphthongs /əʊ/, /eə/ and /ʊə/ constituted the bulk of pronunciation problems. It was also discovered that the female NiPSSTE performed better with 38.74% than the male counterparts who scored 29.84% The overall performance of the NiPSSTE in all the tested items 33.3% clearly showed that they do not approximate closely to SBE pronunciation. The pedagogical implication of this is that there is tendency for students to model themselves after their teachers.

Keywords: Nigerian public secondary school teachers of English, sound segments, approximation, performance.

DOI: 10.36349/alqajolls.2025.v01i01.018

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