Investigating Sociocultural Factors Affecting Indonesian Learners’ Oral Skills

 

 

Henny Herawati

Yohana Veniranda

 

 

 

Many EFL learners consider speaking proficiency as the most important skill to acquire. Yet, many also complain about the intricate problems they face in speaking. Various factors count for the learners' oral abilities. One important aspect is the sociocultural factor.

 

Knowledge of language alone does not adequately prepare learners for effective and appropriate use of the target language. Learners should also have some knowledge and understanding of the social context in which the language is used. In addition, nonverbal language should not be overlooked. From our viewpoints as teachers of English in Indonesia, these facets are often given less attention. As a result, learners often use the language inappropriately and their improper gestures influence the learners' speaking performance.

 

This paper intends to investigate some sociocultural problems affecting Indonesian learners' oral skills. The observation includes direct observation and interviews with teachers who have been teaching speaking classes. Considering some recent developments in the varieties of English, the writers also attempt to further question whether it is really necessary to develop learners' sociolinguistic competence.

 

 

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Herawati, H. & Veniranda, Y. (2005, April). Investigating sociocultural factors affecting Indonesian learners’ oral skills. Paper presented at the RELC International Seminar, Singapore.

 

 

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