Exploring EFL English Major Students’ Speaking Challenges and Their Strategies for Improvement

Abstract

Introduction: In the face of global integration, the significance of mastering foreign languages for international communication has surged, especially for Vietnamese students and more specifically, for those majoring in English at Kien Giang University (KGU). Despite the importance, the challenges faced by these English-major students in honing their speaking skills and avenues to enhance their proficiency remain underexplored, especially within the KGU environment. The study primarily delved into the specific challenges that these students face in developing their speaking skills, and proposed strategies to overcome these challenges and bolster their speaking capabilities. Methodology: This research employed a qualitative research design, utilizing a questionnaire and interviews as its primary data collection tools, and engaged 77 male and female English-major students from KGU. Results: Analysis from the gathered data identified both intrinsic and extrinsic hurdles for the students, including limited vocabulary, apprehension about errors, and the lack of an immersive English-speaking milieu. Students shared common strategies for overcoming these challenges, which largely revolved around the use of technology, media, and interaction with proficient English speakers. The findings suggested that providing students with more opportunities to practice speaking, particularly with those proficient in the language, can be an effective way to improve their speaking challenges. Conclusion: The study underscores the critical need for KGU students to master English amidst global integration. It highlights the intrinsic and extrinsic challenges KGU English majors face in speaking proficiency. Given the findings and recommendations, educators and students can collaboratively tackle these challenges, enabling KGU English students to excel in a globally integrated world.