WORD ACCENT IN ENGLISH (RP) AND YEMENI ENGLISH (YE) : A PRACTICAL STUDY

Abstract

#This paper explores the issue of word accent in English, specifically comparing Received Pronunciation (RP) and Yemeni English (YE). Arabic and English have different patterns of word accent, with Arabic lacking the concept of strong and weak forms. This linguistic difference poses challenges for Arab students when pronouncing English words. The study aims to investigate the difficulties encountered by Arab students in pronouncing English words. Analyzing the data, it is challenging to identify a consistent pattern in how Yemeni speakers stress English words. The twenty recorded Yemeni speakers achieved a low average of 52% conformity to RP. However, some general observations can be made based on their production. In conclusion, Arab students face challenges in mastering word accent in English, and Yemeni English exhibits deviations from RP. Understanding these difficulties can inform language teaching practices and help improve students' pronunciation skills.