INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 02,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1264
SOME DIFFICULTIES OF SPEAKING IN ENGLISH
Mushtariy Turayeva
Samarkand State Institude of Foreign Languages
Faculty of English Philology and Translation Studies
2
nd
Year, Group 2314 Student
mushtariyturayeva341@gmail.com
Abstract:
Learning English can be a difficult process for many learners, creating significant
barriers to mastering the language. This article analyzes the most common problems in speaking
English, including limited vocabulary, lack of language knowledge, pronunciation issues,
difficulties in expressing ideas clearly, not understanding idiomatic expressions, problems with
accents, and misunderstanding the variety of meanings in different contexts. These challenges
lead to misunderstandings and confusion in communication, which can hinder effective
interaction.The article also discusses effective methods and strategies for learning the language.
It covers topics such as expanding vocabulary, improving pronunciation, understanding and
learning idiomatic expressions, identifying and using accents and pronunciation differences
correctly, and understanding different meanings based on context. Developing and applying
effective methods for learners helps overcome problems when speaking English. The article
emphasizes the need to develop knowledge and skills to improve the learning process, expand
language knowledge, and build confidence in communication.This analysis helps identify the
barriers to free communication in English and provides essential methods and knowledge to
tackle these challenges, offering important guidance for learners to achieve their goals.
Key words:
speaking in English, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, lack of ideas, idioms,
accent, context differenties.
Introduction:
English is one of the most widely spoken and important languages in the
world today. It plays a key role in global communication, education, business, and scientific
research. However, learning English can be challenging, and learners often face various
obstacles. One of the most important aspects of learning English is being able to speak it fluently
and confidently. Unfortunately, many learners struggle with limited vocabulary, lack of grammar
knowledge, pronunciation mistakes, accents, and understanding idiomatic expressions, which are
some of the main barriers to effective communication.This article aims to explore the common
challenges faced by English learners when speaking. Learners often struggle with limited
vocabulary and the inability to use grammar correctly, which restricts their ability to
communicate. In addition, pronunciation errors and accents can cause misunderstandings when
speaking English. Not understanding various idiomatic expressions is another barrier, as it leads
to incorrect communication and confusion.This paper analyzes these issues and suggests ways to
overcome them through effective strategies. It focuses on expanding vocabulary, improving
pronunciation, understanding accents, learning idioms, and understanding the diversity of
contexts in English communication. The article provides practical solutions for English learners
to improve their language skills and become more confident speakers.
Lack of vocabulary
. Often, those who are just starting out in English learn only the
simplest and most basic words. This makes it difficult to express their thoughts fully and clearly.
Learners need to memorize words on a variety of topics. And also, understanding the correct
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 02,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1265
meaning of each new word, memorizing its pronunciation, and learning how to use it correctly
takes a long time and practice. There are many synonyms in English that mean the same thing.
This creates difficulties for the learner. Developing vocabulary and vocabulary in English
requires constant and consistent work. These difficulties can be overcome by practicing words,
learning them in different contexts, and memorizing new ones every day.
Poor knowledge of English grammar
is one of the most common difficulties in learning
the language. The rules of English grammar can be more difficult for a learner than in their
native language. Errors in grammar can create problems in several ways:
1.
Incorrect sentence structure
: Not using grammar correctly and building sentences in
the wrong order can make it hard to express ideas clearly. For example, putting the subject, verb,
and object in the wrong order can make sentences confusing or unclear.
2.
Tenses
: Using the wrong tense (present, past, future) is important in English. Mistakes
with tenses can cause confusion and make communication unclear.
3.
Singular and plural
: Using singular and plural forms incorrectly (for example, saying
"peoples" instead of "people") can also cause mistakes and misunderstandings in communication.
4.
Prepositions
: Using prepositions (like "on," "in," "at") incorrectly can change the
meaning of a sentence and lead to confusion.
5.
Verb forms
: Not using the correct form of verbs (for example, saying "He go to the
store" instead of "He goes to the store") also makes sentences incorrect and harder to understand.
Grammatical problems can create uncertainty in speaking, making it difficult to express
ideas clearly. Errors in grammar often make a person sound less confident, which can create
barriers in communication.That’s why it’s important to have a good understanding of grammar
to communicate successfully in English. Here are some useful books for learning and improving
English grammar, suitable for learners at different levels:
1.
"English Grammar in Use" by Raymond Murphy
This is one of the most popular
and effective books for learning English grammar. It explains grammar rules in a simple and
clear way, with lots of examples and exercises. It is very helpful for self-study.
2.
"Practical English Usage" by Michael Swan
This book helps with more complex
grammar issues and language usage. Written by Michael Swan, it helps learners understand the
finer details of grammar and language.
3.
"Grammar Way" by Liz and John Soars
The "Grammar Way" series is a well-
known set of books that help with learning English grammar. It explains grammar rules in an
easy-to-understand way and includes exercises and examples for practice.
These books can be very helpful in improving your grammar and will play an important
role in your English learning journey. Each book offers a different approach, so you can choose
the one that works best for you.
Pronunciation.
English pronunciation is different from other languages. For example,
sounds like /
θ
/ (th), /
ʒ
/ (zh) or /
æ/
are not found in all languages and are difficult to pronounce.
In English, the same letter combination can be pronounced differently in different cases( for
example, the combination "ough" is pronounced as /
ɪ`nʌf
/ in the word "enough", and as /
ðəʊ
/ in
the word "though"). There are also British, American, Australian and other dialects in English.
The pronunciation is also different in each dialect (for example, the word "schedule" is
pronounced as /
ˈʃedʒuːl
/ in British English, while it is pronounced as /
ˈskɛdʒuːl
/ in American
English). To improve your pronunciation in English, you need to listen, learn and practice
regularly.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 02,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1266
Lack of ideas.
Some students say that they have high grammatical knowledge and no
problems with pronunciation. However, they have difficulty speaking because their ideas are
very weak. This problem can sometimes arise from the inability to properly systematize their
thoughts or from lack of confidence in communication. High grammatical knowledge is not
enough to express thoughts correctly if there is no ability to systematically build and formulate
thoughts. More mental preparation and practice are required to connect thoughts together and
clearly state the main point. It also arises from the fear of expressing one's own thoughts and the
fear of saying the wrong thing. How can this problem be overcome? The best way to expand
your ideas is to read more artistic and realistic works. Also, speaking in a mirror helps to develop
speech. When a person loses their inner excitement, they can stand tall in front of others and
express their thoughts freely.
Idioms
. Idiom- In this language, the meaning of something is different from its correct
translation. For example, the English expression "kick the bucket" means "to die", but when
translated correctly, this expression means "to kick the bucket". Each language and culture,
based on its foundation and ancient traditions, creates its own idioms. For example, in Uzbek, the
expression "to fall in the water" means that something has happened or that something is going
wrong, while in English, the expression "to hit the nail on the head" means "to clearly state the
problem". Idioms are used more often in everyday life, in social conversations, than in formal or
academic settings. They add color and substance to a conversation, but sometimes cultural
knowledge is necessary for understanding. Direct translation of idioms often does not convey the
intended meaning. Each idiom should be used in its own context. Therefore, it is better to
interpret or use it in context, if the translation is not clear. Idioms play an important role in
making language more diverse, making communication lively and interesting. By learning them,
you will not only develop your language skills, but also increase your knowledge of other
cultures.
Problems with accsents
. Accents are the differences in pronunciation, pitch, and rhythm
that occur in languages. Each region or group may have its own unique accent. Accent variations
are usually related to regional, social, or cultural factors. When people live in different places,
their accents may change. For example, if a person leaves a city and moves to a rural area, they
may adopt a rural accent. There are many accent variations in English, and these accents vary
depending on the audience, geographical area, social class, and cultural influences. Below is
information about the most common accents in English. There are British accents, American
accents, Australian accents, Australian and New Zealand accents in English. For example, the
accent on the east side of London does not pronounce the "h" sound and has other unique
pronunciation features. In addition, American accents are divided into types such as General
American, Southern English, New York English. One of these is used in the media, while the
other has its own length and vocal characteristics. Because of this diversity, English learners
naturally have difficulties in communication.
Context differenties
. Understanding the meaning of words in context in English is one
of the important and difficult aspects of learning the language. Many words in English can have
different meanings in different contexts. Here are some examples of understanding the meaning
of words in context:"Lead":
Context 1: "The teacher will lead the class." — Here "lead" means to lead, to control.
Context 2: "The pipes are made of lead." — Here "lead" means heavy metal. Although
some words have very similar meanings, their usage varies depending on the context.
"Ask" vs "Inquire":
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 02,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1267
"I want to ask him a question." — The word "Ask" is used in a simple request, in an
informal conversation.
"I would like to inquire about your services." — "Inquire" is used for formal, serious
inquiries.
"Help" vs "Assist":
"Can you help me with my homework?" — "Help" is used for general, informal
assistance.
"I will assist you with the project." — "Assist" is used for formal, complex assistance.
Phraseological units and expressions:
In English, some words or word combinations do
not have specific meanings, but should be used in a specific, imagined sense.
"Give up":
"Don’t give up on your dreams." — Here, "give up" means to give up hope or to
surrender.
"I had to give up my seat for the elderly." — Here, "give up" means to give up, or to
release.
Understanding the meaning of words based on context requires a deeper study of the
language and an understanding of its subtleties. This, in turn, helps you communicate effectively
and clearly. For this, practical exercises such as reading various texts, watching films and TV
series in English, or participating in conversations in English are useful.
Conclusion:
The challenges of developing English speaking skills are many, but they can
be overcome. Students can overcome these obstacles by practicing regularly, learning new words,
and practicing using grammar correctly. Students can also feel more confident by understanding
cultural differences, speaking and using English frequently, and practicing. Patience and research
are important factors in the learning process. By learning the language correctly and effectively,
and finally by applying the knowledge learned in practice, English speaking skills can be
improved.
List of used literature:
1. Brown.H.D. (2001).Teaching by principles: An International Approach to language
pedagogy.
2. Dara Blachman. (2011). America`s children: Key national indicators of well-being 2009.
3. Dr.Jitendra Balbhim Jalkute. (2021). Developing speaking skills.
4. Harmer.J. (2007). The practice of English language teaching.
5. Lindsay.C.& Knight.P.(2006). Learning and teaching English. Oxford University Press.
6. Merriam-Webster. (2020). Merriam-Webster Collegiate dictionary.
7. Richards.J.K & Renandya.W.A. (2002). Methodology in language teaching.
8. Seidlhofer.B. (2011). Understanding English as a lingua frama. Oxford University Press.
9. Thornbury.S. (2005). How to teach speaking. Pearson education.
