INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 03,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 408
MASTERING SPEAKING SKILLS IN A NEW LANGUAGE: OVERCOMING
BARRIERS AND EFFECTIVE APPROACHES
Student:
Abdumuxtorova Mavludaxon Oybek kizi
Scientific advisor:
Rayimaliyeva Yoqutxon Zohidjon kizi
Uzbekistan State World Languages University,
Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan
mavludaabdumuxtorova51@gmail.com
Abstract:
This research explores how to accelerate speaking skills while studying a foreign
language, specifically examining different approaches and expert opinions on how to improve
the ability to convey thoughts in a new language for those just starting their language-learning
journey. This research will also investigate the most common difficulties faced by beginners
while attempting to communicate in a foreign language. In addition, the study delves into several
ways and experiments to help students improve their speaking skills, such as task-based learning,
interactive speaking exercises, and the effective use of technology. However, it is pivotal to
remember that becoming fluent in a new language is a long-term process that requires
consistency, patience, and perseverance. Therefore, this study also addresses strategies to
maintain focus throughout the whole learning process, regardless of the challenges or setbacks,
and emphasizes the importance of staying motivated and committed during the language-
learning journey.
Keywords:
new language, beginner, speaking skill, different challenges, task-based learning, the
use of technology, long-term development, focus on consistency.
Learning a new language is an exciting challenge that opens doors to communication and
cultural exchange. However, for many beginner learners, one of the most daunting tasks is
developing speaking skills. Effective communication in a new language often involves
overcoming common hurdles such as limited vocabulary, pronunciation difficulties, and
grammar mistakes. Understanding these challenges and adopting specific strategies to address
them is key to improving speaking abilities. This article explores the common challenges faced
by beginner learners in attempting to communicate in a new language, offers key methods to
boost speaking skills, and emphasizes the importance of long-term development and consistency.
Challenges faced by learners
Students have a big willingness to communicate with others in the language that they are
learning. But they come across some obstacles in this process. For example, lack of vocabulary
can be the biggest challenge for new learners due to the fact that beginners know only common
verbs or nouns in that language, even if they may recognize some more vocabularies while
reading or listening, they struggle to recall them in conversation, which often leads to hesitation,
pauses and switching to their native language. Apart from that, overuse of basic words while
communicating leads to limiting their ability to express emotions and convey precise meaning.
Another main problem is connected with mispronunciation. As Seidlhofer (2001: 56) points out,
pronunciation is “…the production and perception of the significant sounds of a particular
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 03,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 409
language in order to achieve meaning in contexts of language use. But new learners struggle with
some problems with pronunciation while developing speaking skills. Because some sounds do
not exist in their mother tongue, and they find it challenging to pronounce such sounds correctly.
For example, in English the words “ think” and “this” can be difficult to pronounce, so learners
replace such difficult sounds with similar ones in their mother tongue, like “sink” instead of
saying “think”, causing mispronunciation. Furthermore, word stress, intonation, and sometimes
difficulty with different rhythm are the main obstacles in pronunciation.
We should point out that most students, while improving speaking skills in a new language, find
grammar so hard as they always make mistakes in sentence structure, verb tense, and word order.
At first, beginners commonly make such mistakes due to the fact that they apply grammar rules
in their mother tongue to the new language, a phenomenon known as “ language interference”.
Errors in sentence structure and incorrect word order are also the main part of grammar mistakes.
For example, as a new language learner, I also come across such problems almost every time
while speaking the Spanish language. If we compare the Spanish and English languages, they
both have different grammar rules and sentence structures. For instance, in English the sentence
“ She is a beautiful girl” is “ Ella es una chica hermosa”. In English, the adjective comes before
the noun(a beautiful girl), but the Spanish common structure is noun adjective(chica hermana).
That is why grammar mistake is a common difficulty for beginner learners.
As Tony Robbins exposed “Repetition is the mother of skills”. However, beginners only focus
on reading and listening, but not speaking. They use the language that they are learning only in
structured classroom settings, rarely apply it in real life conversations. Without regular practice,
definitely the progress becomes slow and it can cause loss of motivation and frustration,
sometimes even depression among new learners. Most of the time, even if beginners want to
improve their speaking skills, they can not achieve their intended goal because of the fear of
failure or making mistakes in public. However, as Walid Ashik mentioned that mistakes are
proof that we are trying. Speak, make a mistake and learn.
Key methods and approaches to boost speaking skills
“Effective communication is not necessarily perfect communication. Speaking without error is
not necessary to express yourself effectively. The goal is to engage in meaningful conversations
with others. Understand that developing your speaking skills takes time and practice. Through
ample reading, listening, writing, and speaking (of course), trust that your grasp of the language
and ability to communicate naturally will grow stronger indefinitely.” (Steve Kaufman). So the
simple rule, if you want to improve speaking, speak, practice regularly. Also some techniques
and strategies are pivotal to develop strong communication skills in a new language.
In addition to real-life practices, task-based learning can be the best option to boost speaking
skills. This strategy was originally developed by N Prabhu in Bangalore, southern India, and
based on the belief that students may learn more effectively when their minds are focused on the
task, rather than on the language they are using. Instead of memorizing isolated vocabulary,
students have a chance to engage in real conversation with others, and this method provides them
with an opportunity to improve confidence, fluency, and practical language use.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 03,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 410
In the era of technological revolution, effective usage of technologies can help new learners to
enhance their speaking skills. For example, nowadays most students are learning a new language
and practising it with AI and Voice Assistants. Furthermore, using apps like Speak (AI tutor) ,
Elsa speak, and Google Assistant are the most common applications for developing
communication skills in a new language.
As Stephen Krashen highlighted that language learning is a social activity. The more you talk,
the faster you improve. In this case, joining speaking clubs, finding a partner to practice and ask
them to correct mistakes while speaking in a target language or getting feedback are the best
options to begin to communicate fluently in that language
.
At the same time we should remember that communication in a new language is not a goal that
could be achieved within a day. It takes time. But there are students who loose motivations easily
if they can not be fluent in the language that is being learned.
Mastering speaking skills in a new language is a difficult yet rewarding process. Beginner
learners face various obstacles, such as limited vocabulary, pronunciation difficulties, grammar
mistakes, and a lack of real-world practice. However, with the right strategies, such as task-based
learning, using technology, engaging in conversations, and focusing on long-term development,
learners can overcome these challenges and get better their speaking abilities. Consistency,
patience, and perseverance are important to mastering communication skills and achieving
fluency in a new language.
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