Phonological Investigation and Comparison of English Assimilation and Arabic Assimilation in Tajweed

Abstract

Assimilation is one of the most important processes in the subject of English phonetics and phonology, which has a great value in the process of language learning and improving the speaking skill. The current research work is concerned with a phonological investigation and comparison of English assimilation and Arabic assimilation in Tajweed. It aims at making a phonological comparison between English and Arabic sound systems, identifying difficulties faced by EFL students regarding the study of English assimilation, then proposing a method which facilitates this phonological process. The method used in conducting this investigation is a case study. For the sake of collecting data, two research instruments are used; the first one is a structured interview designed for phonetic teachers at BELHADJ Bouchaib University. Additionally, third year EFL students are sellected to be interrogated through an online questionnaire. After the phase of data collection, data are analysed and interpreted quantitatively and qualitatively. The obtained data demonstrate that there are similarities between English and Arabic from a phonological perspective. Moreover, the unfamiliarity with English assimilation is the major problem faced by EFL students, and the use of Arabic assimilation in Tajweed could be a sollution for a better understanding of this phonological phenomemon due to the common rules between English assimilation and Arabic assimilation in Tajweed. Eventually, some suggestions and recommendations on how to teach English sounds and assimilation better are provided.