THE PHONETIC REALIZATION OF ENGLISH /L/ BY UZBEK-SPEAKING EFL LEARNERS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Pronunciation is an important part of foreign language learning because differences between a learner’s first language and English can affect the way sounds are produced. One interesting example is the consonant /l/. Both English and Uzbek have this sound, but its phonetic realization is not exactly the same in the two languages. In English, /l/ commonly has clear and dark [ɫ] realizations depending on its phonological position. Uzbek does not generally use the same systematic pattern of /l/ allophony. This difference may influence the pronunciation of English by Uzbek-speaking learners. This article compares the realization of /l/ in English and Uzbek and discusses possible difficulties caused by first-language influence. The study is based on a review and comparison of previous research on English /l/, second-language pronunciation, and Uzbek learners of English. The findings suggest that greater awareness of English /l/ variation and focused pronunciation practice may help Uzbek learners produce the sound more appropriately