Factors Affecting Fluency of English Speaking of EFL Students: A Case Study of Government Degree College (GDC) Batkhela
Abstract
The investigation of factors affecting English-speaking skills remains a fundamental topic in second-language acquisition research. But somehow, there is still a gap understanding of the factors affecting learners' speaking fluency. This study explored the major factors affecting speaking fluency among undergraduates studying English as a Foreign Language using a quantitative, descriptive case study design. Forty undergraduate students were used as the population for data Collection through a structured Likert-scale questionnaire. Four main categories have been analyzed, including linguistic, psychological, environmental, and pedagogical factors. The findings underscore that each of these factors has influenced learners' speaking fluency. Environmental factors have the most significant impact on fluency, including limited exposure to English and a lack of a supportive speaking environment. Then, linguistic factors — grammar, vocabulary, and sentence formation in actual speaking have the second-greatest and most significant impact. Writing-centered syllabus, lack of audio-visual materials, anxiety, and low confidence were the most influential factors in the pedagogical and psychological section. The study recommends using interactive and balanced teaching methods and a syllabus. Enough opportunities must be provided, and a good English-speaking environment is needed to boost students' confidence and develop their oral competence.
Key Words: English-speaking, fluency, EFL students, second language acquisition, rural area.
