Identifying Barriers to Spoken English Proficiency: A Case Study of NUML Pakistan

Ushna  Khan; Sabeen  Javaid; Tayyaba  Khan; Aiman  Rehman; Ahmun  Ara

doi:10.63056/

Authors

Ushna Khan Lecturer, Department of English, University of Poonch, Rawalakot Author
Sabeen Javaid Department of English, University of Poonch, Rawalakot Author
Tayyaba Khan Department of English, Air university. Islamabad Author
Aiman Rehman Lecturer, Department of English, University of Wah Author
Ahmun Ara MPhil English Linguistics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63056/

Keywords:

Spoken English, language anxiety , NUML students , communication barriers , English proficiency challenges

Abstract

This study investigates the key challenges faced by students of the English Department at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Pakistan, in developing spoken English proficiency. Employing a quantitative research approach, data were collected through a structured questionnaire consisting of 10 close-ended questions. A total of 20 students—12 males and 8 females from various semesters—participated in the study through random sampling. Statistical tools and graphical analysis were used to interpret the data. Findings reveal a range of persistent issues that hinder students’ spoken English skills, including grammatical errors, pronunciation difficulties, shyness, anxiety, low confidence, and fear of making mistakes. Additional challenges such as limited functional vocabulary, lack of performance opportunities, and the complexity of language structures further impact their oral communication abilities. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted pedagogical interventions to address these barriers and enhance students’ communicative competence in English.