An Investigation into Difficulties in English Speaking Skills Encountered by English-Majored Students at a University in Can Tho City

Abstract

Speaking is one of the most important skills to acquire when learning a foreign language, yet it remains one of the most challenging skills in English language learning. The study titled “An Investigation into Difficulties in English Speaking Skills Encountered by English-Majored Students at a University in Can Tho City” was conducted to evaluate the factors affecting learners’ speaking performance and to identify effective solutions for improving the English proficiency of English majors. A survey questionnaire and interviews were used as the primary data collection methods. Eighty-six respondents participated in the speaking difficulty questionnaire, with ten of these respondents selected randomly for follow-up interviews. The study identified both internal and external factors affecting speaking performance. Internal factors included vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, background knowledge, and psychological aspects such as confidence, fear of making mistakes, and lack of motivation. External factors comprised the learning environment, teaching curriculum, and syllabus. The findings highlight the need for targeted strategies to address these challenges and enhance speaking skills among English majors.