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An Analysis of Techniques and Challenges in Teaching Pronunciation to Young Learners: A Case Study at A Primary School Level

Language Circle: Journal of Language and Literature · Vol. 21 No. 1 (2026) · pp. 311–336

DOI
10.15294/lc.v20i2.31698
ISSN
2460-853X, 1858-0157
Published
2026-04-30
Publisher
Universitas Negeri Semarang
Language
eng

Abstract

Pronunciation plays a crucial role in communication, especially for early English learners during their optimal language-acquisition period. However, many primary school teachers struggle with effective pronunciation instruction due to limited training and resources. This research aimed to identify the methods teachers employed, the obstacles they encountered, and how students responded to pronunciation instruction. This study investigates the techniques used and challenges faced by teachers in teaching pronunciation to young learners at one of the primary schools in Pati, Central Java, Indonesia. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through classroom observations, interviews with one teacher and six students, and document analysis. The findings revealed that drilling and repetition were the most commonly used techniques, although students perceived them as monotonous. More engaging strategies, such as using games and audiovisual media, increased student motivation and participation more effectively. Challenges included a lack of appropriate materials, limited technological tools, and the influence of students' first language. This study concludes that while traditional methods remain dominant, integrating interactive, technology-supported techniques can enhance the effectiveness of pronunciation instruction. The results suggest more targeted teacher training and resource development to support pronunciation teaching at the elementary level.

Keywords

Collaboration network of the authors

14 authors · 19 co-authorship links

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Co-authorOrganisationJoint articles
Mohamad Irfan SahroniAffiliation unknown1
Irfina SafitriAffiliation unknown1
Galuh Kirana Dwi AreniAffiliation unknown1
Ayun Bekti SaparenaAffiliation unknown1
Sekar Pramudya Wardani SupriantoAffiliation unknown1
Farah FaadhillahAffiliation unknown1
Didi PramonoAffiliation unknown1
Junita Dwi FransiskaAffiliation unknown1
Siti Lubna AskhiyaAffiliation unknown1
Inggil KharismawatyAffiliation unknown1
Fatma HetamiAffiliation unknown1
Ade Dama YantiAffiliation unknown1

Affiliations come from OpenAlex; journal OAI-PMH metadata carries none. Authors without an OpenAlex ID are matched by name, which can merge or split people.

Metadata source: OAI-PMH (metadata jurnal) https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/LC/oai, first harvested 5 Nov 2026, last seen 8 Nov 2026.
Original metadata (oai_dc)
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	<dc:title xml:lang="en">An Analysis of Techniques and Challenges in Teaching Pronunciation to Young Learners: A Case Study at A Primary School Level</dc:title>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Pramudanti, Yolinda</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Bahri, Seful</dc:creator>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">elementary education </dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">pronunciation</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">teaching techniques</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">young learners</dc:subject>
	<dc:description xml:lang="en">Pronunciation plays a crucial role in communication, especially for early English learners during their optimal language-acquisition period. However, many primary school teachers struggle with effective pronunciation instruction due to limited training and resources. This research aimed to identify the methods teachers employed, the obstacles they encountered, and how students responded to pronunciation instruction. This study investigates the techniques used and challenges faced by teachers in teaching pronunciation to young learners at one of the primary schools in Pati, Central Java, Indonesia. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through classroom observations, interviews with one teacher and six students, and document analysis. The findings revealed that drilling and repetition were the most commonly used techniques, although students perceived them as monotonous. More engaging strategies, such as using games and audiovisual media, increased student motivation and participation more effectively. Challenges included a lack of appropriate materials, limited technological tools, and the influence of students' first language. This study concludes that while traditional methods remain dominant, integrating interactive, technology-supported techniques can enhance the effectiveness of pronunciation instruction. The results suggest more targeted teacher training and resource development to support pronunciation teaching at the elementary level.</dc:description>
	<dc:publisher xml:lang="en">Universitas Negeri Semarang</dc:publisher>
	<dc:date>2026-04-30</dc:date>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/article</dc:type>
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	<dc:type xml:lang="en">Peer-reviewed Article</dc:type>
	<dc:format>application/pdf</dc:format>
	<dc:identifier>https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/LC/article/view/31698</dc:identifier>
	<dc:identifier>10.15294/lc.v20i2.31698</dc:identifier>
	<dc:source xml:lang="en">Language Circle: Journal of Language and Literature; Vol. 21 No. 1 (2026): Regular Edition of April 2026; 311 - 336</dc:source>
	<dc:source>2460-853X</dc:source>
	<dc:source>1858-0157</dc:source>
	<dc:source>10.15294/lc.v20i2</dc:source>
	<dc:language>eng</dc:language>
	<dc:relation>https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/LC/article/view/31698/10352</dc:relation>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">Copyright (c) 2026 Language Circle: Journal of Language and Literature</dc:rights>
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