Factors Affecting the Speaking Skills of ESL Students in Rural Areas of Pakistan

Abstract

The objective of this research is to examine the barriers to the English Language speaking strength of the students from the Sargodha district of Punjab studying at the Matriculation (SSC) and Intermediate (HSSC) levels. In Punjabi-speaking communities where students are already speaking Punjabi fluently, students find difficulties in understanding the concepts of English as L2 (Second Language). By having semi-structured interviews with the Fifty (50) students in the age group of 13 to 19, a significant language awareness of L2 was observed. The results reveal the significant inhibiting factors in speaking English including the educational system, students’ abilities to learn English correctly, and parental linguistics attempts. Moreover, this study also finds certain lacks as far as two things i.e. teaching and learning are concerned. It also finds the complexities as far as academic and professional language usage is concerned. In addition to this, this awareness also informs how a system can be introduced that purely focuses on learning the speaking skills of the English language in a conducive environment. So, by identifying such inhibiting factors in speaking English, the persons who are involved in policy-making, teachers, scholars, and educationists can overcome the problems faced during English speaking in the rural areas of Pakistan. Therefore, about the discussion above, this analysis will explore all the issues related to learning English Speaking skills in the countryside areas of Pakistan.