Factors that constrain listening and speaking skills

INTRODUCTION

Research Background and Motivation

Humans have a hierarchy of needs, as outlined by Abraham Maslow, which includes five interconnected levels Once physiological and safety needs—such as food, sleep, shelter, and clothing—are met, individuals seek social connection by forming relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, highlighting the vital role of interpersonal communication in fulfilling social needs Effective communication allows us to express affection and build meaningful bonds with others The fourth level of Maslow’s hierarchy is esteem, which involves a desire for respect, recognition, and self-worth, often achieved through communication and how others perceive us When these foundational needs are satisfied, individuals can pursue self-actualization, reaching their full potential.

The hierarchy of needs is depicted as a pyramid in Figure 1

FACTORS THAT CONSTRAIN LISTENING AND SPEAKING SKILLS OF LEGAL ENGLISH

Figure 1: Maslow's hierarchy of needs (Dimbleby & Burton 1 )

Effective communication is driven by various needs and purposes, including exchanging ideas, sharing information, and building relationships It plays a central role in bringing people together and maintaining strong personal and professional connections In business, communication is crucial for persuading others and gaining support, making the art of persuasion an essential skill for success Overall, mastering communication enhances our ability to succeed in both career and life, making everyday interactions more effective and life easier.

“Been there, done that” is the expression we will definitely say when it comes to the topic of misunderstanding in communication Karl Popper 2 shares the same

1 R Dimbleby & G Burton, More than words: An introduction to Communication, 4th edn., London, Routledge, 2007, p 16

2 K Popper, Unended Quest: An Intellectual Autobiography, London, Routledge, 2002, p 29

For self-expression and creativity

For self-respect and the respect of others

For love &belonging, for being part of family and other groups

Home, clothing, protection, a sense of security

STUDENTS IN USING ENGLISH 3 idea about this issue: "it is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood"

Effective communication is essential to prevent misunderstandings that can lead to conflicts in both personal and professional settings Despite believing we are being clear, our messages are often misinterpreted, causing confusion and unnecessary problems Misconceptions and quick assumptions hinder the true purpose of communication, emphasizing the importance of clarity and active listening in every interaction.

English is a widely spoken and universal language, making it a key focus for language studies Despite its global prominence, communication misunderstandings in English often mirror those in other languages, primarily due to it not being a person's native language Learning a new language poses challenges, especially with elements like slang that affect communication Many individuals feel confident conversing with native speakers but still experience fear and shyness due to a lack of confidence and unfamiliar slang terms These factors contribute to struggles in engaging in conversations in non-native languages like English.

Understanding the factors that influence message interpretation is crucial for effective communication in English Research in this area can enhance language learning for non-native speakers and improve communication skills among native speakers By examining how message receivers interpret information, we can develop strategies to facilitate clearer and more accurate exchanges This knowledge is essential for fostering successful interactions in diverse linguistic contexts, ultimately contributing to more effective and meaningful communication.

Research Purpose and Objectives

This research aims to explore why misunderstandings occur in communication using the English language The primary goal is to identify and analyze the possible causes of these misunderstandings, providing valuable insights into the challenges of effective English communication By understanding these root causes, this study seeks to enhance clarity and reduce miscommunication in English language interactions.

This research aims to support English language learners who share an interest in understanding the causes of misunderstandings in communication Its primary goal is to address and reduce these misunderstandings, thereby improving the effectiveness of English communication Additionally, the study seeks to help non-native speakers enhance their learning process and develop greater fluency in using the English language.

The aforementioned goals will be accomplished by fulfilling the following research objectives:

Determine the main elements that lead to wrong interpretation of the hearer/receiver/audience in communication

Investigate language learners for factors potentially causing difficulties as well as misunderstanding when they communicate in English

Set forth some recommendations for non-native speakers to avoid common communication mistakes, hence misunderstanding when using English.

Research Structure

The process of this research is presented within the following frame:

Chapter 4: Data analysis and Discussion

Chapter 6: Solutions, Limitations and Recommendations for Future Research

LITERATURE REVIEW

Definition of Misunderstanding in Communication

Attention on the topic of misunderstanding is not recent There has been much significant and sustained research towards the study of misunderstanding in communication so far

Communication involves both sending and receiving information through verbal and non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions Despite the different forms of communication, there is always a risk that the receiver may interpret the message differently than intended Common phrases like "Don’t get me wrong" highlight the prevalence of misunderstandings in daily conversations Experts like Dascal and Hinnenkam emphasize that misunderstandings are ubiquitous and an unavoidable part of human interaction.

3 M Dascal, Interpretation and Understanding, John Benjamins, 2003, p 294

4 V Hinnenkamp, ‘The notion of misunderstanding in intercultural communication’, Journal of Intercultural Communication, vol 1, 1999, p 9

Understanding misunderstandings is crucial, as linguist Weigand defines them as a "form of understanding which is partially or totally deviant from what the speaker intended to communicate." Misunderstandings often arise when the intended message is misinterpreted, leading to communication breakdowns Recognizing the key features of misunderstandings can help improve clarity and prevent miscommunication.

Misunderstanding occurs when a dialogue partner believes they have accurately interpreted an utterance, but their understanding does not align with the speaker's original intent According to Hirst et al., this happens when the listener considers their interpretation to be complete and correct, yet it diverges from what the speaker truly intended to communicate.

Humphreys-Jones highlights that misunderstandings often occur when communication fails, as the hearer’s interpretation of the message differs from the speaker’s true intent This discrepancy between what is expressed and what is understood contributes to unsuccessful communication, underscoring the importance of clear and effective discourse.

Generally speaking, misunderstanding is viewed as the mismatch between the speaker’s intended meaning and the hearer’s choice of interpretation for an utterance.

Causes of Misunderstanding in Human Communication

It is generally claimed that culture happens to be the most influential factor of effective communication, but also the most prominent barrier leading to misunderstanding Why is that?

Before conducting any in-depth analysis, it is essential to define the term 'culture.' According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, culture is a broad concept that includes customs, beliefs, art, music, and social organization of a specific country or group It fundamentally influences the way of life of the people within that community.

5 E Weigand, ‘Misunderstanding: the standard case’, Journal of Pragmatics, vol 31, no 6, 1999

6 G Hirst et al., ‘Repairing conversational misunderstandings and non-understandings’, Speech Communication, vol 15, no 3 - 4, 1994

7 C Humphreys-Jones, An Investigation Of The Types And Structure Of Misunderstandings, Newcastle University, 1986, p 1

8 ‘Culture’, Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, 2017, http://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/culture_1?q=culture, (accessed 8 June

Students in Using English 7 demonstrate the importance of forming a group with shared values, highlighting the role of culture in communication (Leonard, Scotter & Pakdil 9) Weaver’s analogy of the iceberg illustrates how cultural differences are often visible in superficial behaviors—the tip of the iceberg—while deeper understanding requires time to explore the submerged, value-laden core of each individual’s culture This submerged part of the iceberg contains the essential values and beliefs shaped by one’s cultural experiences, emphasizing the complexity of cross-cultural communication.

From a communication perspective, Schirato and Yell describe culture as a system of meaning where communication occurs, highlighting its role in shaping social interactions They emphasize that culture provides essential rules and conventions that influence members' development and lifestyle, particularly affecting their communication practices In essence, culture guides individuals on how to communicate effectively with the world around them.

Communication plays a crucial role in shaping culture by conveying core values and meanings across different societies (Schirato & Yell, 12; Dimbleby & Burton, 13) Western cultures tend to favor direct and straightforward communication styles, while Eastern cultures often prefer indirect and nuanced approaches These differing communication patterns fundamentally influence the characteristics of Western and Eastern cultures, shaping their unique conversational styles Without these distinct modes of communication, the cultural identities of the West and East would not be as clearly defined.

Accordingly, it can be concluded that culture and communication are not separate concepts, but involved in a dynamic and mutual relationship (Schirato &

9 KM Leonard, JRV Scotter and F Pakdil, ‘Culture and Communication: Cultural Variations and Media Effectiveness’, Administration & Society, vol 41, no 7, 2009, p.855

10 GR Weaver, ‘American Cultural Values’, Kokusai Bunka Kenshu (Intercultural Training), vol 14,

11 T Schirato and S Yell, Communication and Cultural Literacy, 2nd edn., Allen & Unwin, 2000, p 1

Yell 14 , Dimbleby & Burton 15 ) As a result, culture can be a great obstacle to effective communication if the people involved in a communication are from different cultures, and not to mention sub-cultures However, as a culture is comprised of various factors, there are certain conspicuous ones that will be analyzed in order to clarify in details the many contexts of miscommunication due to culture barrier

Language is a fundamental aspect of culture, serving as a unique identifier for its members through both verbal and non-verbal communication When different cultures with distinct languages interact, misunderstandings can occur due to communication barriers However, since the focus of this study is on misunderstandings beyond language differences, the impact of spoken language discrepancies will be excluded from the analysis.

Non-verbal communication plays a significant role in human interaction, but cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings (Patterson 16) For example, gestures like the 'OK' sign have different meanings across cultures: in the United States, it indicates approval or that something is satisfactory, while in other countries, it is considered an obscene gesture Additionally, cultural attitudes toward individualism versus collectivism influence non-verbal expressions—individualistic societies emphasize personal interests, leading people to prioritize their own benefits, whereas collectivist cultures emphasize group harmony, with individuals carefully considering how their actions affect their reputation and social standing (Laungani 17).

16 ML Patterson, Nonverbal Communication, St Louis, University of Missouri, 2012, p.734

17 PD Laungani, Understanding Cross-Cultural Psychology: Eastern and Western Perspectives, London, SAGE Publications Ltd., 2007, p.57

Beliefs and social values are essential components of a culture’s distinctiveness, shaping how its people perceive the world (Dimbleby & Burton, 18) As individuals mature, they internalize these cultural beliefs and social norms unconsciously, which guide their behaviors and communication styles (Weaver, 19; Leonard, Scotter & Pakdil, 20) This cultural influence on perceptions can lead to misunderstandings in both verbal and non-verbal communication Despite these differences, language remains the key unifying factor, as effective cross-cultural communication often relies on shared language to bridge diverse beliefs and social values (as discussed in the language section).

Vietnamese culture highly values harmony and maintaining positive relationships, which influences their communication style (Nguyen, 21) When engaging in straightforward discussions, many Vietnamese may avoid direct responses to preserve harmony, often providing affirmative or agreeable answers like "Yes" to please the other person This tendency reflects their preference to avoid confrontation or misunderstanding, even if it means not expressing their true thoughts.

Using "No" in Vietnamese culture can sometimes create a negative impression if it appears to indicate disharmony, but in reality, it often signifies a lack of direct agreement rather than disagreement Conversely, foreigners may interpret a "Yes" as a sign of willingness or agreement, encouraging specific actions, which can lead to misunderstandings if not culturally contextualized Such misinterpretations can result in unfavorable outcomes for both parties, highlighting the importance of understanding nuanced communication cues in Vietnamese culture.

19 GR Weaver, ‘American Cultural Values’, Kokusai Bunka Kenshu (Intercultural Training), vol 14,

20 KM Leonard, JRV Scotter and F Pakdil, ‘Culture and Communication: Cultural Variations and Media Effectiveness’, Administration & Society, vol 41, no 7, 2009, p.855

Nguyen (1985) provides a comprehensive review of Vietnamese culture, highlighting its unique concepts of health and disease rooted in traditional beliefs The article emphasizes that understanding Vietnamese health practices requires acknowledgment of cultural perspectives that differ from Western biomedical models Recognizing these cultural differences is essential for delivering effective healthcare and improving patient outcomes in Vietnam This review underscores the importance of cultural competence in medical practice, especially when addressing health-related behaviors and perceptions within Vietnamese communities.

Beliefs and social values significantly influence non-verbal communication, particularly through behaviors like timing, which conveys personality, attitudes, and motivations (Patterson, 2012) Western culture emphasizes punctuality as a sign of respect and efficiency, with time regarded as a critical factor for success (Laungani, 22), leading Western individuals to value being on time for meetings Conversely, Eastern culture views time as more flexible, often arriving later to demonstrate flexibility and avoid appearing disrespectful, which may be perceived by Western counterparts as unprofessional These cultural differences in timing can lead to misunderstandings, with Westerners perceiving lateness as disrespectful, while Easterners may see Western punctuality as rigidity, affecting cross-cultural perceptions and interactions.

Language is a fundamental component of communication, making it difficult to imagine a world without it Language barriers often hinder effective interaction between speakers of different languages, especially during interlanguage communication New language learners frequently face challenges such as unfamiliar vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, which can make conversations effortful and complex Overcoming language barriers is essential for clear and successful communication across different linguistic backgrounds, and while speaking might be easier for some in English, many still struggle with the nuances of the language.

22 PD Laungani, Understanding Cross-Cultural Psychology: Eastern and Western Perspectives, London, SAGE Publications Ltd., 2007, p.66

STUDENTS IN USING ENGLISH 11 learners This phenomenon of misunderstandings, however, often occurs to advanced English language learners who have achieved English fluency

Scholars have long aimed to investigate whether differences in language lead to differences in thoughts or not

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, named after American linguists Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf, suggests that language influences thought This theory posits that speakers of different languages perceive and interpret the world uniquely, shaping their worldview based on their linguistic framework.

In her 2010 article "Lost in Translation" published in The Wall Street Journal, US cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky highlights that recent studies demonstrate how language influences thought She explains that the languages we speak not only reflect our ideas but also shape the way we think and perceive reality Boroditsky emphasizes that language structures significantly impact our cognitive processes, contributing to our intelligence and sophistication This research underscores the powerful role of language in shaping our understanding of the world.

Language differences are therefore proving to be a major barrier to interlanguage communication In any case where one party uses a second language, the possibility for misunderstanding increases

Summary of Literature Review

This review provides a comprehensive summary of key findings on misunderstandings in human communication, specifically focusing on the English language It clarifies the concept of misunderstanding and examines previous studies to identify common causes By identifying relevant causal factors, this research integrates existing data with survey findings to propose effective solutions for reducing misunderstandings and improving communication clarity.

As expounded in the earlier section, the model of this research will be described in the following figure:

49 J Milroy and L Milroy, Authority in Language, 3 rd edn., Routledge, 1999, p 48

Misunderstanding in communication Culture barrier

METHODOLOGY

Research Process

This study is conducted with the following process:

This research follows a structured process, beginning with defining clear research objectives and reviewing relevant theories and prior studies related to the topic The next key step involves developing a research model to guide the investigation A mixed-methods approach is utilized, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques to ensure comprehensive insights Data analysis is conducted using tools like Google Docs and Microsoft Excel, facilitating accurate and efficient processing of the collected information.

STUDENTS IN USING ENGLISH 25 conclusion is drawn, solutions are introduced and recommendations are made in the last step.

Research Design

This study employs a mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research to achieve comprehensive and validated findings Integrating these methods enhances the reliability and effectiveness of the research, ensuring a thorough understanding of the study objectives.

The quantitative approach involves collecting numerical data through mathematically based methods, simplifying the process of translating respondents' information into analyzable figures This method aims to enhance the reliability and persuasiveness of the research by analyzing numerical data to establish relationships between reviewed literature and research findings In this study, data is collected via surveys of English language learners, with various opinions quantified to confirm or reject hypotheses after analysis To facilitate understanding, all data will be presented visually through tables and charts, making it easier for the audience to interpret the implications of the findings.

The survey questionnaire, developed by the author and reviewed with the thesis advisor, is bilingual in English and Vietnamese to ensure respondents fully understand the questions and provide accurate responses It consists of two sections, Section 1 and Section 2, designed to gather comprehensive data effectively.

Section 1 consists of basic background information such as gender, age, current employment position and how long they have been studying English

Section 2 consists of 16 questions and they are directly linked to the objectives of this research From the conceptual framework, there are five main factors, which potentially cause misunderstanding when people use English in communication, that

STUDENTS IN USING ENGLISH 26 need to be tested: Culture barrier, language barrier, connected speech, homonym, and dialect

In this research, the author uses a combination of three types of question formats so as to as follows:

Open-ended questions: This type of question, which only appears in Section 1, requires the respondents to give answers in their own words about their biographical information

Multiple-choice questions: In some questions, respondents are able to choose more than one answer or they can add their own comments in the given spaces

Likert scale questions: This type of question offers a scale of potential choices so as to make the answers best fit the respondent’s opinions

To collect reliable data, respondents were selected based on specific criteria: they must be at least 18 years old and have extensive experience learning English Additionally, they should have studied most subjects in English during university, ensuring sufficient exposure and practice Meeting these requirements guarantees participants have used English frequently and for an extended period, enabling an accurate assessment of the factors that influence their interpretation and communication in English.

This research targets a diverse group of respondents, including students, officers, and businesspeople Specifically, the primary focus is on students from the Legal English division (classes LE-38, LE-39, and LE-40B) at Ho Chi Minh City University of Law Additionally, the study includes students enrolled in the second-degree program (class 7AVB2CQ) at the same institution.

This study primarily collects primary data through a questionnaire survey, distributed via two methods: in-person distribution of paper-based surveys and online dissemination through Facebook.

The researcher distributed questionnaires directly to respondents, providing clear instructions to ensure relevant responses A total of 76 questionnaires were handed out to students from LE-39 and LE-40B classes after their final exams, with 44 forms collected from LE-39 and 32 from LE-40B Additionally, 18 questionnaires were administered to the second-degree 7AVB2CQ class All responses were completed voluntarily and collected immediately upon completion to ensure accuracy.

The survey questionnaire was developed using Google Docs and distributed to the LE-38 class through a closed Facebook group on July 2, 2017 However, only 8 out of 34 students completed the form, indicating a low response rate.

The researcher selected a sample of 100 respondents from Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, aligning with Roscoe's recommendation that an effective sample size should range from 30 to under 500 to minimize sampling error To accommodate the study's timeline, budget, and available resources, 100 questionnaires were distributed via both online and paper-based surveys, ensuring efficient data collection and reliable results.

To achieve the dissertation objectives and enhance the study's rigor, a mixed-methods approach was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative research Specifically, interviews were selected to facilitate an in-depth investigation into the research topic, providing valuable insights that complement the quantitative data.

50 JT Roscoe, Fundamental Research Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, 2nd edn., New York, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1975

STUDENTS IN USING ENGLISH 28 participant's views in greater depth so that people can have more faith in the results from the interview

Prior to the interview, a carefully prepared list of questions was developed (see Appendix C), ensuring a structured approach The interviews were conducted in Room B303 at Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, where the researcher interviewed 10 top-performing students from the LE-40B class These students, selected based on criteria such as having at least 10 years of English learning experience and demonstrating excellence in English subjects, were interviewed after completing their final exams on July 7, 2017.

Each student received a questionnaire containing interview questions designed to explore various aspects of English communication The interview started with demographic questions, including age, educational level, and the duration of English studies It then addressed challenges affecting effective communication, such as barriers that hinder understanding during English interactions Finally, the interview concluded by asking participants to suggest solutions to minimize misunderstandings and improve communication clarity These questions collectively aim to identify key factors influencing English language use and potential strategies for better comprehension.

Data Collection Method

To produce high-quality research outputs, both primary and secondary research are essential Secondary research serves as the initial stage, involving the analysis of existing data collected by other researchers or organizations, such as academic literature, journals, magazines, and e-newspapers (Hakim 51) Reviewing prior scholarly articles and research papers helps establish the framework for the study and ensures a solid foundation Additionally, information from secondary sources supports the development of questionnaires, interview questions, and validates research findings, contributing to the overall credibility and depth of the research.

51 C Hakim, Research Design: Successful Designs for Social and Economic Research, 2nd edn., London, Routledge, 2000, p 24

In terms of primary research, it can be explained as “research that is collected firsthand rather than found in a book, database, or journal.” 52

This project utilized both interviews and surveys to gather comprehensive insights into people's experiences and opinions Interviews were conducted to obtain detailed and in-depth information from a targeted, smaller group, while surveys aimed to identify broader patterns across a larger population The collected data will be thoroughly analyzed and discussed in the next chapter, providing a well-rounded understanding of the research findings.

Data Analysis Technique

The questionnaire survey was conducted using Google Docs in both print and online formats, with printed surveys distributed around campus for immediate collection and online surveys shared via Facebook, which took longer to gather responses All responses were compiled within Google Docs, which generated visual graphs to illustrate the data effectively For certain statistical analyses not automated by Google Docs, Microsoft Excel was used to create additional graphs and perform manual data calculations.

52 This idea is from a chapter in Writing Spaces: Readings on Writing, Volume 2, a peer-reviewed open textbook series for the writing classroom, p 154

DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

Questionnaire

The first chart illustrates the gender distribution of respondents, with females representing the majority at 84%, totaling 84 respondents In contrast, males comprise only 16% of the sample, with 16 out of 100 students participating in the survey.

The second question was designed to find out current occupations of the respondents It can be seen that most of them are students including sophomores, juniors

Student Office Worker Housewife Businessman

The study involved 100 participants, with 90% being students and seniors, highlighting their primary engagement with English The remaining 10% comprised office workers, businessmen, and housewives, representing diverse demographics Participants also included individuals pursuing second degree courses and those with work experience, ensuring a broad perspective on English usage across different age groups and professional backgrounds.

The chart indicates that 80% of participants are aged between 18 and 22 years, highlighting a significant dominance of young adults in the group In contrast, only 20% fall within the 22-30 age range This disparity is primarily due to the fact that most respondents are university students, as shown in Chart 2, which emphasizes the demographic skew towards younger individuals pursuing higher education.

Chart 4: Number of years that respondents have learnt English

The chart indicates that 65% of participants have been studying English for 10 to 15 years, highlighting a substantial level of language proficiency among respondents Additionally, the data shows varying durations of English learning, with some participants studying for less than 10 years and others exceeding 15 years, reflecting diverse language learning experiences This information underscores the significant commitment of respondents to mastering English over extended periods.

15 years are 25% and 10% respectively Generally, all of them have a considerable number of years learning this foreign language

According to the statistics, there are two main methods respondents use to learn English: self-studying and attending English teaching institutes Notably, 71% of learners prefer to study English independently, highlighting the popularity of self-study In contrast, 29% of participants choose to attend classroom-based English courses, demonstrating a significant portion still favor structured instruction.

Chart 6: Number of respondents who have misunderstood non-verbal messages

A recent survey reveals that 83% of respondents have experienced misunderstandings of non-verbal messages from native speakers, highlighting the prevalence of this communication barrier Conversely, only 17% have not faced such issues, indicating that misunderstandings due to non-verbal cues are common The chart emphasizes that miscommunication often arises from the frequent occurrence of non-verbal cues in everyday interactions Recognizing these misunderstandings is crucial for improving intercultural communication and language proficiency.

Chart 7: Reasons for misunderstanding non-verbal messages

Having no idea about that non-verbal cue 56,3%

My friend's non-verbal cue carries different meaning in their culture 45,8%

Both of the above (“Having no idea about that non-verbal cue” and “My friend's non-verbal cue carries different meaning in their culture”)

The statistical results reveal that 56.3% of respondents are unfamiliar with the meaning of non-verbal cues they encounter, highlighting a significant gap in non-verbal communication understanding Additionally, 45.8% of participants reported that these cues are interpreted differently across cultures, emphasizing cultural differences in non-verbal communication Among the three respondents with unique answers, one mentioned they did not clearly hear the non-verbal message, another misunderstood cues due to idioms, and the third selected both options, indicating varied challenges in interpreting non-verbal signals across different contexts.

Chart 8: Respondents’ views on the idea “People from different cultures may misunderstand each other due to differences in thinking and point of view”

Almost 97% of the respondents agree on the fact that culture shapes one person’s beliefs and values, whereas only 3% disagree with this claim

Chart 9: Respondents’ views on the idea “Lack of vocabulary potentially leads to misunderstanding”

According to the chart, an overwhelming 97% of respondents agree that a lack of vocabulary can lead to misunderstandings when communicating with native speakers This highlights the crucial role of vocabulary in effective communication, with only 3% of participants disagreeing Enhancing vocabulary skills is essential for clear and accurate interactions in language learning and cross-cultural conversations.

Chart 10: Number of respondents who have experienced listening difficulty due to connected speech

According to the pie chart, 57% of respondents occasionally experience listening difficulties caused by connected speech in English Meanwhile, 30% of participants often face such challenges, highlighting the commonality of this issue Only 11% of respondents always encounter listening problems related to connected speech, whereas a small minority of 2% never experience these difficulties.

Chart 11: Frequency of connected speech lessons in respondents’ classes

The chart illustrates the frequency with which students have received connected speech lessons in their classes According to the data, 57% of respondents have sometimes learned about connected speech, while 35% have often been exposed to this topic Additionally, 7% of students reported that their lessons always included connected speech, and only 1% indicated they never studied it This highlights varying levels of exposure to connected speech instruction among students.

Chart 12: Respondents’ views on the importance of connected speech lesson

The chart illustrates respondents’ views on the significance of mastering connected speech in English According to the data, 40% of participants consider it very important, highlighting its crucial role in language proficiency Additionally, 36% recognize it as important, while 24% believe learning connected speech is quite important Emphasizing the importance of connected speech knowledge can enhance understanding and fluency in English communication.

Chart 13: Respondents’ views on misunderstanding due to connected speech

According to the chart, 81% of participants believe that connected speech can potentially lead to misunderstandings, highlighting its impact on communication clarity Conversely, 19% of respondents do not think that connected speech poses a risk of misunderstanding, suggesting that opinions on this issue vary among individuals This data underscores the importance of understanding connected speech in effective communication.

Chart 14: Number of respondents who have encountered misunderstanding due to homonyms

The pie chart highlights that a significant majority of students, 88%, have encountered challenges with homonyms that lead to misunderstandings in their communication with friends, particularly when speaking English In contrast, only 12% of students have not experienced such issues, indicating that miscommunication caused by homonyms is a common obstacle among learners.

Chart 15: Respondents’ views on the differences among English dialects

The chart highlights the key differences among English dialects based on lexicon, grammar, and phonology Notably, 72% of students recognize that lexicons vary across dialects, indicating significant lexical diversity Meanwhile, 18% believe the differences are quite noticeable, and only 7% perceive no variation in vocabulary A small portion, 3%, considers the dialects to be entirely different in terms of lexicon.

According to the study, 32% of participants recognized that English grammar is quite different, highlighting notable differences in language structure Meanwhile, 27 respondents believed that English grammar is simply different, emphasizing variations that may require adaptation Conversely, 38% of participants felt that English grammar is not different at all, suggesting familiarity or similarities with their own language Only a small portion, 3%, considered English grammar to be completely different, indicating significant language gaps These findings underscore varying perceptions of English grammar complexity among language learners, which is crucial for tailoring effective teaching strategies.

Interview

Chart 22: Respondents’ interpretation of “I didn’t do nothing”

Surprisingly, 100% of participants interpreted the sentence “I didn’t do nothing” as “I did something.”

Chart 23: Respondents’ views on misunderstanding due to the use of

The chart indicates that 80% of participants believe it is likely to misunderstand the use of double negatives in English, highlighting common confusion with this grammar pattern Conversely, only 20% of respondents consider it unlikely to face such misunderstandings, suggesting that most learners find double negatives challenging Importantly, no participants thought there was no chance of misunderstanding when speakers use double negatives, emphasizing the need for clear communication and proper grasp of this grammar rule to avoid confusion.

Chart 24: Respondents’ views on solutions to misunderstanding in communication

Avoid using homonyms that may cause ambiguities 100%

Ask for explanation whenever you face new vocabulary or idioms that you do not understand 100%

Use plain language and simple words; avoid technical terminologies 90%

Ask others to repeat what they heard if you feel that they are likely to get you wrong 90%

Adopt body language in conversations along with verbal form to make sure the other person understands your message 90%

When having a conversation with a native speaker whose accent does not sound familiar to you, ask them to speak more slowly 90%

Enrich knowledge about cultures and behaviors of other English speaking countries 80%

Educators in general should put more emphasis on knowledge about connected speech 70%

Based on interviewees' insights, avoiding homonyms and proactively engaging with speakers to clarify unfamiliar words are key strategies to prevent misunderstandings Most participants (90%) favor using simple, everyday language instead of jargon or rare words to enhance clarity Additionally, being mindful of communication style and incorporating non-verbal cues are important for effective message delivery To assist listeners, many recommend requesting speakers to slow down, especially when accents are unfamiliar Lastly, researching cultural and behavioral differences of English speakers worldwide and emphasizing connected speech training in educational settings are crucial measures to improve mutual understanding.

Discussion of Results

The survey results indicate that cultural differences and vocabulary limitations are the primary factors contributing to misunderstandings among Vietnamese English learners Both factors were selected by 97% of respondents, highlighting their significant impact on language barriers Overall, the data aligns with the five researched factors leading to misunderstandings, even within the Vietnamese learning context.

According to the study, 81% of participants responded that connected speech is among the least impactful factors The data indicates that, compared to other influencing elements, connected speech has a minimal effect on overall language comprehension The table further illustrates the varying levels of impact for each factor, highlighting its relatively low significance in language learning and communication This insight suggests that focusing on other more influential factors may yield better improvements in language proficiency.

Chart 25: Impact level of factors contributing to misunderstanding

Statistical data from Chart 6 highlights that misunderstandings frequently occur due to misinterpretation of non-verbal cues, which vary significantly across cultures Respondents indicated that unfamiliarity with certain gestures and body language often leads to communication barriers Moreover, almost all participants agree that cultural differences influence beliefs and values, resulting in potential misunderstandings stemming from divergent ways of thinking and viewpoints.

Non-native speakers often face communication challenges when encountering unfamiliar vocabulary and idioms, which can create significant language barriers According to a survey, nearly all respondents agree that limited vocabulary knowledge impedes effective communication, highlighting the importance of building a strong lexical base to facilitate better understanding and interaction.

According to charts 10 to 13, only 2 respondents reported never experiencing difficulty with connected speech, indicating that it often challenges learners worldwide in understanding spoken English The survey reveals that all participants recognize the importance of connected speech in their English learning process However, only one respondent stated they had never been taught about connected speech in class, suggesting that most learners are exposed to this crucial aspect but still find it challenging to master.

STUDENTS IN USING ENGLISH 44 have a chance to learn but not in a serious manner As a result, this factor is considered a hindrance, yet less significant than others

Homonyms are a significant factor in communication misunderstandings, ranking fourth compared to other causes, as shown in chart 25 According to chart 14, homonyms pose a serious obstacle for non-native English speakers, with many participants reporting that this issue has hindered their understanding during conversations.

Finally, concerning English Dialects, there are 3 levels that need to be considered: lexical differences, grammatical differences and phonological differences

Recent studies and practical data indicate that teenagers are the demographic most likely to use slang in their conversations The findings also reveal that over 50% of respondents regularly encounter slang in daily interactions, highlighting its unavoidable presence in modern communication.

Following the data obtained from the interview, it is surprising that all of the students chose a completely wrong interpretation for the sentence: “I didn’t do nothing.”

Non-native speakers often interpret double negatives as affirming the opposite meaning, leading to potential misunderstandings According to data from Chart 24, all respondents acknowledged the likelihood of misinterpretation when using this complex English grammar pattern Using double negatives can confuse learners and hinder effective communication, emphasizing the importance of clear language for better comprehension among non-native speakers.

Survey data from charts 19, 20, and 21 confirm that Received Pronunciation and General American accents remain the most approachable for Vietnamese learners, aligning with previous research These accents are widely recognized and studied due to their prominent presence in school curricula, contributing to learners' familiarity and ease of understanding.

SOLUTIONS, LIMITATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Tiêu đề	Factors That Constrain Listening And Speaking Skills
Người hướng dẫn	Cao Dang Quynh Tram, MA
Trường học	Ho Chi Minh City University of Law
Chuyên ngành	Legal English
Thể loại	graduation thesis
Năm xuất bản	2017
Thành phố	Ho Chi Minh City

Định dạng
Số trang	77
Dung lượng	1,4 MB