Applied Linguistics: Innovative Approaches and Emerging Trends
Vol 3 No 1 (2026): Applied Linguistics: Innovative Approaches and Emerging Trends

Strategies and Challenges In Teaching Vowel Digraphs For EFL Learners: A Systematic Literature Review

Rizky Anugrah Putra (Universitas Alkhairaat Palu)
Moh. Fahruddin Aziz (Institut Cinta Tanah Air)
Herlandri Eka Jaya Putri (Institut Cinta Tanah Air)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 May 2026

Abstract

English vowel digraphs pose significant challenges for English as a Foreign Language learners due to deep orthographic irregularities and native language interference. This systematic literature review investigates teachers' challenges and material preparation strategies for mitigating these linguistic barriers. Following PRISMA guidelines, 74 articles across major databases were rigorously screened, yielding 8 highly relevant peer-reviewed studies for thematic synthesis. The analysis reveals a critical phonetic gap; notably, studies show that most of EFL students lack adequate grapheme-phoneme knowledge for digraph decoding. To mitigate this, educators are abandoning native-centric textbooks in favor of targeted pedagogical strategies. Integrating technology-enhanced language learning tools and explicit phonics instruction significantly improves decoding accuracy. Furthermore, bespoke phonics-based pronunciation innovations demonstrated high efficacy, has significant instructional efficiency scores in targeted classrooms. Ultimately, overcoming orthographic barriers requires explicit phonetic instruction and the localized development of bespoke, technology-enhanced teaching materials to master irregular spelling patterns.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

appling

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Applied Linguistics Innovative Approaches and Emerging Trends is a scholarly journal published twice a year in March and September under the patronage of Yayasan Nurul Iman Muara Gading Mas. The periodical welcomes submissions pertaining to language-related problems and solutions in realworld ...