Speaking difficulties encountered by EFL university students : a case study of EFL students at faculty of education

الملخص EN

The study aims to investegate the causes of the difficulties that face EFL learners in oral interaction.

The study adopted the descriptive and analytical method.

A questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection.

It was distributed to forty nine (49) EFL students at Faculaty of Education, Elhasahisa, University of Gezira, Sudan.

The collected data were statistically analyzed by the (SPSS) program.

The results indicated that: many of EFL students face difficulties in speaking English, practicing dialogue improves EFL learners’ speaking abilities, group activities enhance learners’ oral interaction.

Questioning technique and listening develops students' oral interaction.

Moreover, socio cultural factors affect EFL students’ oral interaction and correcting students during speaking, harms their oral interaction.

Seating arrangement affects students’ readiness for interaction.

The study recommends: EFL learners should practice dialogues and questioning techniques in the classroom.

Pair and group work should be practiced in EFL classrooms.

Audio visual aids should be used in EFL teaching and seating should be arranged in a way that allows EFL learners to interact.