An investigation of English Foreign language Students'Spelling Problems:The case of second year licence students at the department of english,university of Mohammed seddik Ben Yahia/Jijel

Abstract

Owing to a remarkable revival of interest in English Foreign Language learners’ spelling errors, the present study aimed at investigating the spelling problem among second year students at the department of English, university of Mohammed Seddik Ben Yahia/ Jijel, and identifying the commonest types and likeliest causes of their spelling errors. Moreover, the study aimed at investigating both students’ and teachers’ perceptions of the spelling problems that students encounter. Furthermore, it attempted to shed light on the spelling strategies used by the students. The study was based on the hypothesis that if students’ were aware of their spelling problems and used a variety of strategies to improve their spelling, they would not experience serious spelling difficulties. In order to achieve these aims, the researchers opted for a dictation test, a translation test, a questionnaire for students and another one for teachers. The findings of the study revealed that the frequency of students’ spelling errors is high and therefore students are experiencing serious difficulties in spelling English words. The major causes behind students’ poor spelling performance were found to be the irregularity of English spelling system, the complexity of rules and exceptions as well as confusing words, students’ ignorance of spelling rules, students’ carelessness and their lack of interest to learn spelling. Moreover, the obtained results demonstrated that the students use a narrow range of spelling strategies with great reliance on phonological strategies which have further complicated of the problem. The analysis of the research findings confirmed that the students face great difficulties in spelling because they are not aware of their spelling problems and they use limited strategies to improve their spelling. Based on the results of the study, some pedagogical recommendations were suggested for further research