Linguistics and Elt Journal
Vol 13, No 1 (2025): June

Mastering English Diphthongs: Phonological Challenges and Patterns Among Sikka Students in Yogyakarta

Soge, Edeltrudis Patrisia (Unknown)
Hindom, Simron Krinuartjati (Unknown)
Ena, Ouda Teda (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Jun 2025

Abstract

This study explores the pronunciation of English diphthongs by Sikka students in Yogyakarta, focusing on the phonological challenges and patterns that emerge. The researcher used descriptive qualitative by employing interviews and observations. The participants were ten Sikka students aged 19-34 with varying English learning backgrounds. The researcher asked students to read a text that had diphthongs and compared students' English diphthong pronunciation with the Oxford Dictionary (1995) and Longman Dictionary (2008). The findings show that despite the duration of English language exposure, the participants had difficulties pronouncing English diphthongs correctly. The text contained eight diphthongs, which were included in nineteen words. The data demonstrate that most participants incorrectly pronounced eleven words, which were included in six diphthongs, whilst simultaneously pronouncing eight words, which were included in eight diphthongs, correctly. Analysis indicates that the mispronunciations stem from factors such as the absence of similar diphthongs in the Sikka language, unfamiliarity with English phonology, limited practice, and a lack of focus on diphthongs during language learning. The research addresses a gap in current literature by exploring the impact of the Sikka language, a prevalent local language, on English pronunciation.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JELTL

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Linguistics and ELT Journal (p-ISSN 2339-2940 | e-ISSN 2614-8633) is published twice a year in the months of June and December. The purpose of LELTJ is to disseminate information and facilitate understanding among those people who are concerned with English language teaching and linguistics, ...