The effect of lack of practice on efl students’ oral communication skills at the university level

Abstract EN

It is vital that students review the material they learn regularly to keep it fresh in their mind.

Developing such habits hone learners' language skills.

On the other hand, lack of practice habits pose a problem and affect negatively, among other factors, linguistic performance.

The issue discussed in this study is a field research conducted into the scope of the effect of insufficient practice of English language on learners' oral communication skills and sub-skills.

To achieve the objectives of the current study a questionnaire was conducted and responded by a random sample of fourth-year undergraduates majoring in English and by a sample of their teachers.

The questionnaire asked the respondents to determine the extent to which lack of practice had a negative effect on English language learners' oral communication performance in many respects and to give their opinions on English Language practice strategies that could enhance students' performance of both speaking and listeningskills.

The analysis of the data obtained from the teachers' questionnaire and that of the students' questionnaire was carried out separately.

The results obtained from the analysis generally suggested that the majority of the participants’ attitudes fluctuated between the fact that insufficient practice had a negative influence on learners' oral communication skills and sub-skills to a great extent and to some extent.

On the basis of the results above, some strategies for remedying the situation, enhancing practice and assisting learners in raising their levels of language proficiency were suggested.