VARIATION IN THE PRONUNCIATION OF SOME ENGLISH CONSONANTS BY STUDENTS OF ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNVERSITY

Pronunciation is central to spoken English as it directly affects intelligibility and effective communication. In multilingual contexts such as Nigeria, students’ pronunciation often reflects the phonological influence of their first languages, leading to noticeable variations. Previous studies have addressed some of these challenges, but little attention has been given to consonantal variation within a linguistically diverse setting like Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA). This study therefore examined the variation in the pronunciation of selected English consonants—/θ/, /ð/, /ʒ/, /tʃ/, and /ŋ/—among AAUA students. The objectives were to investigate the existence of such variations, to identify the problematic consonants in context, and to propose possible solutions. The study employed a simple random sampling technique to select fifty students across different departments and levels. Data were elicited through structured oral reading passages, audio recordings with a wireless microphone and mobile phone, and short interviews to capture students’ language backgrounds. The results were presented using tables and pie charts, and analysed quantitatively through frequency counts and phonetic transcription. Findings revealed that over 80% of students mispronounced /ð/, while 60% mispronounced /θ/. The /ʒ/ sound recorded 36% incorrect pronunciations, whereas /tʃ/ and /ŋ/ showed higher accuracy rates of 83% and 90% respectively. These errors were attributed to mother tongue interference and the absence of equivalent sounds in students’ indigenous languages. The study concluded that first language influence plays a significant role in students’ pronunciation of English consonants. It recommended stronger emphasis on oral English instruction, consistent pronunciation drills, practical training through workshops, and improved access to phonetic resources across departments. Keywords: Pronunciation, Consonants, Variation, Indigenous languages, Adekunle Ajasin University.