Dr.Dlakhshan Y. Othman, Dr. Qismat Mohammad Zahawi

Salahaddin University/College of Basic Education       Salahaddin University/College of Basic Education

dlakhshan.othman@su.edu.krd                                        qismat.hussin@su.edu.krd

 DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.31972/iscs20.009

Abstract

This study aims to investigate Kurdish EFL teachers’ orientations toward nativeness and intelligibility principles in their pronunciation and how they view their own accent. Data will be gathered from questionnaire respondents from English Department/College of Basic Education at Salahaddin University. In addition, the research tries to draw the distinction in orientations between teachers who have studied MA abroad and those who have been awarded their MA/ PhD by universities in Kurdistan Region (KR)- Iraq. This would show the potential influence of being exposed to the foreign language and culture on teachers’ orientations toward nativeness and intelligibility principles. The data were analysed statistically by using SPSS. The main conclusions of the study were that the majority of Kurdish EFL teachers were in favour of nativeness principle in their pronunciation. Moreover, a higher rate of the teachers who studied abroad were nativeness oriented in their pronunciation as compared to the teachers who have pursued their higher study in KR- Iraq.

Key Words: Nativeness, Intelligibility, Accent, Identity

Research Link

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