Enhancing English Pronunciation among Indian Students in Malaysia: Exploring the Preference for Imitation vs. Repetition Methods

Abstract

English has gained significant importance in Malaysia, serving as a widely used global and acknowledged second language. Thus, it is common for Malaysians to be able to speak in English, at least enough for casual conversation. The Indian community in Malaysia, as part of its multicultural fabric, seeks to improve their English-speaking abilities. However, like other foreign language learners, Indian speakers face difficulty achieving accurate pronunciation due to phonetic differences with their native languages. This study intends to identify the methods applied by the Indian community in speaking English. The study examines the preferences between imitation and repetition methods to enhance English pronunciation. 36 Form Four Indian students in a suburban secondary school in Selangor took part in this study. Through a set of 5-likert scale 10-question questionnaires, participants indicated their preference on which method they practised. The results indicate that the participants preferred for imitation over repetition, which aligns with Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory. These findings emphasise the importance of incorporating imitation techniques in English pronunciation instruction for Indian speakers and contribute to understanding effective language learning strategies. Educators and curriculum developers can benefit from these practical insights when aiming to enhance English pronunciation skills among Indian students.