ASSESSING FACTORS AFFECTING ENGLISH LANGUAGE PRONUNCIATION AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GWALE LOCAL GOVERNMENT

This study investigates the factors affecting English language pronunciation among senior secondary school students in Gwale Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria. English, as a global lingua franca, is essential for communication in various domains, yet many learners in non-native contexts struggle with accurate pronunciation, which hinders effective communication. The research focuses on identifying the linguistic, educational, and socio-cultural factors influencing pronunciation, including mother tongue interference, limited exposure to native English speakers, inadequate teaching methods, and insufficient practice opportunities. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews from 122 students across selected secondary schools. The findings reveal that mother tongue interference, particularly from Hausa, significantly impacts students' ability to pronounce English sounds accurately. Additionally, limited access to audio-visual resources, lack of emphasis on pronunciation in the curriculum, and insufficient speaking practice exacerbate these challenges. Poor pronunciation negatively affects students' confidence, communication skills, and academic performance, particularly in oral examinations and classroom participation. The study proposes practical solutions, including integrating phonetic instruction, utilizing audio-visual aids, creating English-speaking environments, and organizing pronunciation workshops. The research underscores the importance of teacher training and the adoption of communicative language teaching approaches to enhance pronunciation instruction. Recommendations for further study include comparative analyses across regions, longitudinal studies on pronunciation development, and the exploration of digital tools for pronunciation improvement. This study contributes to the broader discourse on second language acquisition by providing context-specific insights and actionable strategies to address pronunciation challenges in Nigerian secondary schools.