Is it really difficult to produce correct th (/ð / and /θ/) sounds in English for EFL Learners? A case study in Northern Cyprus.

Abstract

This study investigated how th (/ð / and /θ/) sounds could be improved if opportunities were provided to EFL learners in the Final International University in Girne, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Twelve preparatory students participated in the study. The researcher collected data through a pronunciation test and interviews. The purpose of the pronunciation test was to reveal development and correct pronunciation of th (/ð / and /θ/) sounds by the participants. The performance of twelve participants was video-recorded. In order to increase the validity of the results, two native raters listened to the recordings and rated the problematic sounds as correct or incorrect. After data collection, Microsoft Excel was used to calculate the coded and analysed data, and SPSS (Version 20) was used to find the percentages and the frequencies of the data. The findings indicate that EFL learners could acquire and improve their pronunciation if they feel motivated and are given opportunities. The results of the study are thought to be useful for both students and teachers in Northern Cyprus.