A Study On Urdu Speakers’ Use Of English Stress Patterns: Phonological Variation From Native Speakers

Abstract

The aim of this research paper is to study Urdu Speakers’ use of English Stress Patterns and their phonological variation from native speakers of Pakistani EFL learners. The stress patterns of English language are affected by the influence of L1 Urdu speakers’ perception in Pakistan which ultimately influences English pronunciation and sometimes its meanings as well. It also results difficulties faced by learners in our class rooms. Based on phonological differences between two languages, the researchers assume that there is a wide discrepancy in stress patterns among those spoken and used by native speakers and read and perceived by Pakistani students in our classrooms using English as second language. It carries a tangible impact of Urdu stress pattern with almost equal stress on all the syllables which is quite problematic both for teachers and learners of English whether it is as Second Language Learning or as Foreign Language Learning. To find out concrete results quantitative analysis of stress patterns was made on the selected sample taking from public sector university students. Findings of the research provide a useful pedagogical insight into the perspective of English language teaching with particular emphasis on spoken proficiency of English among students whose L1 is Urdu. The findings of the research suggest invariably the wrong placement of lexical stress in English words in Pakistan by Urdu speakers who have Urdu as L1 because they either place the stress on the syllable preceding the actual syllable or following it. Finally, it is suggested to follow the native speakers tone as a final remedy.