An Analysis of Non-English Students’ Difficulties in Speaking English

Abstract

English becomes widely spoken and a significant factor following the growth of globalization around the world. Speaking is the most noticeable aspect that shows language proficiency, it is shown that the majority of the language learners in the world study English to develop speaking proficiency. However, speaking is not an easy skill to master especially for Non-English learners in EFL countries. Therefore, this study aimed to identify speaking difficulties faced by non-English students at the University of Islam Malang and its impact on their speaking ability.

This study was implemented using a descriptive qualitative research design with semi-structured interviews on five students of non-English students at the University of Islam Malang. The data in this study is in the form of an interview transcript that is used to present the findings. The results revealed speaking problems related to languages such as vocabulary, grammar, fluency as well as lacking attention to grammar and pronunciation. Moreover, the study also found many problems regarding psychological difficulties such as lacking confidence and motivation, being nervous, the mind goes blank, being out of topic, being confused as well unprepared. In terms of the effect caused by speaking difficulties on students’ speaking ability, the researcher found that the difficulties mostly lead to an inability to speak fluently, blank, confusion, and afraid of making mistakes. Moreover, the researcher found that both linguistic and psychological difficulties have an impact in the form of lacking fluency in speaking.