THE PERCEPTIONS OF EFL LEARNERS AT CAN THO UNIVERSITY ABOUT FACTORS INFLUENCING PRONUNCIATION CONFIDENCE

Abstract

Pronunciation is one of the essential skills in learning English as a foreign language, and pronunciation confidence affects learners' communication effectiveness. Therefore, this study investigated the perceptions of EFL students at Can Tho University on factors affecting their pronunciation confidence and identified the main factors contributing to the difficulties they encountered in pronouncing English confidently. The study used a mixed-methods approach, collecting data through questionnaires with the participation of 147 students from English studies and English studies -high-quality program, at Can Tho University when they completed pronunciation-related courses. The results indicated that students perceived that motivation, attitude, and exposure to English were important factors influencing their pronunciation confidence, as setting clear goals, practicing actively, and being exposed to English through conversations, media, and English-speaking environments helped reduce anxiety and improve pronunciation. In addition, self-awareness, self-esteem, and personality also played important roles, as those who believed in their ability to improve tended to be more engaged and comfortable with pronunciation, while introverts often felt less comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. Furthermore, structured pronunciation instruction, feedback from teachers, and a positive learning environment helped learners practice confidently without fear of making mistakes. Finally, the results of the study also identified that motivation, attitude, exposure to English, regular practice, and structured pronunciation instruction were important factors influencing the pronunciation confidence of Can Tho University students. This study contributes to understanding learners' perceptions of factors influencing pronunciation confidence, as well as identifying key factors causing difficulties, thereby suggesting teaching strategies that should focus on motivation, timely feedback, and supportive environments.