EFFECTIVE APPROACHES TO OVERCOMING SPEECH BARRIERS AMONG SCHOOL-AGED ENGLISH LEARNERS
Keywords:
speech barriers, English learners, speaking skills, communicative competence, language anxiety, task-based learning, pronunciation, vocabulary development, classroom interaction, language teaching strategies.Abstract
This article examines effective approaches to overcoming speech barriers among school-aged English learners by analyzing linguistic, affective, pedagogical, technological, and sociocultural factors. Speech barriers, including limited vocabulary, pronunciation difficulties, speaking anxiety, and lack of confidence, are identified as major obstacles to oral language development. The study synthesizes recent literature and highlights the importance of communicative and task-based teaching methods in promoting meaningful interaction and fluency. It also emphasizes the role of supportive classroom environments, appropriate corrective feedback, and learner-centered strategies in reducing anxiety and increasing participation. In addition, the integration of digital technologies is shown to enhance speaking practice and learner autonomy. The findings suggest that a comprehensive, interactive, and supportive instructional approach is essential for improving learners’ communicative competence and overall speaking performance in English.
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