Pronunciation Challenges Faced by Uzbek Learners of English

Abstract

This study investigates the particular  pronunciation difficulties encountered by Uzbek learners in acquiring English. It focuses on important phonetic difficulties such as mispronounced consonants and vowels, improper stress placement, and intonation problems. A mixed-methods strategy was used to identify mistake associated with Uzbek phonology. The research included surveys and a pronunciation assessment among 30 second-year university students, the research highlights recurring error patterns linked to the influence of Uzbek phonology. Results indicate that learners commonly struggle with English sounds like /θ/, /ð/, and /v/, as well as distinguishing vowel lengths. The study concludes that customized phonetic training, increased exposure to native English pronunciation, and focused listening exercises can significantly improve learners’ pronunciation abilities.