Abstract:
This study was conducted with the aim of identifying the challenges encountered by the English
as a Second Language (ESL) learners at National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority
(NAITA), Kinniya in pronouncing words consisting of consonant clusters. It has been observed
that learners encounter various pronunciation problems and difficulties in speaking and loud
reading. In this study, hundred ESL learners of NAITA, Kinniya were randomly selected as
sample population for investigation. The primary data were collected using quantitative
method, and an oral pronunciation test and a questionnaire were employed as the research
instruments in this study. The instruments enabled the researcher to identify the learners’
challenges and errors in pronouncing words consisting of multiple consonant clusters and
factors behind their challenges and difficulties. Accordingly, the findings show that most
number of learners encountered difficulties and made errors in pronouncing words containing
consonant clusters. Moreover, the opinion survey revealed that the learners show lack of
interest in learning pronunciation rule and many other factors also affect their pronunciation.
These pronunciation challenges and difficulties can be overcome through implementing
pronunciation as a separate component like grammar, writing etc. in the ESL curriculum of
NAITA.
