Effectiveness of Tutorial Videos in Enhancing Pronunciation: A Study on Cambodian EFL Learners and Social Implications

  • Hak Chamroeun National University of Battambang
Keywords: Accent, Mother Tongue Influence, Pronunciation, Teachers’ Role

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The research aimed to examine how well tutorial videos could aid in developing the pronunciation skills of Cambodian EFL learners and to explore their perceptions of this learning method.

Methodology: Data collection employed both quantitative (pre-test and post-test) and qualitative (semi-structure interview) were used to figure out the significant difference between both groups and learners perceptions toward the use of tutorial video in enhancing pronunciation.

Main Finding: The findings indicate that using technology-based teaching approach—tutorial videos effectively enhance pronunciation for Cambodian EFL learners between different socio-economic backgrounds, with private students achieving greater improvement due to the early exposure and technology accessibility. Moreover, despite minor challenges, learners find learning pronunciation through tutorial videos enjoyable, motivating, and beneficial in reducing speaking anxiety through repeated practices. The study also demonstrates its social implications of technology in language learning, as it can close the socio-economic gaps by providing equal learning opportunities, making them more competitive in the job market and for future academic success. It emphasizes the important for instructor of integrating technology in pronunciation, as it is equally important as other language skills.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study is original as no prior research at the researcher’s organization, National University of Battambang (NUBB). It mainly focusses on the effectiveness of tutorial videos on learners’ pronunciation from two different context—public and private schools which allows to explore the benefits of tutorial videos on English pronunciation development as well as fulfill the research gap at the institution.

Author Biography

Hak Chamroeun, National University of Battambang

Graduate School, National University of Battambang, Battambang, Cambodia

References

A. P. Gilakjani, "The Significance of Pronunciation in English Language Teaching," English Language Teaching, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 96–107, 2012.

N. LIA, "The Influence of Using ELSA Application toward Students' Speaking Ability in the First Semester at the Ninth Grade Students of SMPN 11 Kotabumi Lampung Utara in the Academic Year of 2023/2024," Doctoral dissertation, UIN Raden Intan Lampung, 2024.

P. Nakin, & B. Inpin, English consonant pronunciation problems of EFL students: A survey of EFL students at Mae Fah Luang University. In The 6th Burapha University International Conference (pp. 185-197). 2017, August.

F. M. A. M. Awadh, N. H. P. S. Putro, A. E. Pohan, and Y. A. Alsamiri, "Improving English Pronunciation Through Phonetics Instruction in Yemeni EFL Classrooms," Journal of Languages and Language Teaching, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 930–940, 2024.

S. McCornack, & K. Morrison, Reflect & relate: An introduction to interpersonal communication. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's. 2013.

M. Goliński, M. Spychała, and M. Miądowicz, "Model of Acquiring Transversal Competences Among Students on the Example of the Analysis of Communication Competences," in Proc. Int. Conf. Innovation in Engineering, Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, June 2021, pp. 351–365.

A. P. Gilakjani and N. B. Sabouri, "Why is English pronunciation ignored by EFL teachers in their classes," Int. J. English Linguist., vol. 6, no. 6, pp. 195–208, 2016.

J. Setter, TM Derwing and MJ Munro. Pronunciation Fundamentals: Evidence-Based Perspectives for L2 Teaching and Research (Language Learning & Language Teaching Vol. 42). 2017.

J. Jenkins, World Englishes: A Resource Book for Students. London, UK: Routledge, 2009.

J. M. Levis, "Revisiting the intelligibility, comprehensibility, and accentedness of L2 speech," J. Second Lang. Pronunciation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 3-15, 2020.

S. Bounchan & S. H.Moore. Khmer learner English: a teacher's guide to Khmer L1 interference. Language Education in Asia, 1, 112-123, 2010.

N. Selwyn, Education and Technology: Key Issues and Debates. London, UK: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2016.

S. Kea, "Integrated Oral Skills English Pronunciation Course for,".

A. Donley, Khmer Phonetics & Phonology: Theoretical Implications for ESL Instruction, 2020.

M. Warschauer and D. Grimes, "Audience, authorship, and artifact: The emergent semiotics of Web 2.0," Annu. Rev. Appl. Linguist., vol. 27, pp. 1–23, 2007.

J. Morley, "The pronunciation component in teaching English to speakers of other languages," TESOL Quarterly, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 51–74, 1991.

A. Mazouzi, "Enhancing EFL Learners’ Pronunciation Through CALL: The Example of Audiobooks," Master's thesis, University Abderahmane Mira of Bejaia, Algeria, 2016.

A. Wulandari, M. Laila, and A. P. Yarini, "Improving students’ pronunciation using audio-visual aids (AVAs) at the fifth year of Al Azhar Syifa Budi Elementary School of Surakarta in academic year 2007-2008 (A classroom action research)," Kajian Linguistik dan Sastra, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 1–10, 2008.

J. Harmer, The Practice of English Language Teaching, 3rd ed., Addison Wesley Longman, 2002.

R. Gower, D. Phillips, and S. Walters, Teaching Practice Handbook. Oxford: Heinemann, 1995.

A. S. Hornby, Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1995.

M. Reed and J. M. Levis, The Handbook of English Pronunciation. John Wiley & Sons, 2019.

M. C. Pennington and P. Rogerson-Revell, English Pronunciation Teaching and Research. Research and Practice in Applied Linguistics, 2019.

A. R. Khualid and Y. Lubis, "Analysis of the Correct Pronunciation of Phonetic Symbols in English," Cemara Education and Science, vol. 2, no. 1, 2024.

C. B. Paulston. Teaching English as a second language: Techniques and procedures. Cambridg, Mass.1976.

M. Otlowski. Pronunciation: What are the expectations. The internet TESL journal, 4(1), 115-129, 1998.

J. C. Richards & R. W. Schmidt. Longman dictionary of language teaching and applied linguistis, 2013. Routledge.

C. Aliaga García, "The Role of Phonetic Training in L2 Speech Learning," in Proceedings of the Phonetics Teaching and Learning Conference (PTLC2007), University College London, 2007.

A. Martínez-Flor, E. Usó-Juan, and E. Alcón Soler, "Towards Acquiring Communicative Competence through Speaking," in Current Trends in the Development and Teaching of the Four Language Skills, E. Usó-Juan and A. Martínez-Flor, Eds. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter, 2006, pp. 139–157.

A. Pourhosein Gilakjani, "What factors influence the English pronunciation of EFL learners?" Modern Journal of Language Teaching Methods (MJLTM), vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 314–326, 2016.

H. Fraser, Coordinating Improvements in Pronunciation Teaching for Adult Learners of English as a Second Language. Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Canberra, 2000.

A. McGregor and M. Reed, "Integrating pronunciation into the English language curriculum: A framework for teachers," CATESOL Journal, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 69–94, 2018.

L. Henrichsen, "Online resources for learners and teachers of English language pronunciation," TESL Reporter, vol. 51, pp. 67–67, 2018.

K. Kılınç, "The Effect of Pronunciation on Unplanned and Planned Speaking Exam Scores," Master's thesis, Anadolu University, Turkey, 2019.

L. Bauer, English Phonetics, Phonology and Spelling for the English Language Teacher, Taylor & Francis, 2023.

R. B. James, "Teaching Pronunciation Gets a Bad R.A.P: A Framework for," 2010.

M. Celce-Murcia and J. M. Goodwin, "Teaching Pronunciation," in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language, M. Celce-Murcia, Ed., New York: Newbury House, 1991, pp. 136–153.

J. Morley, "A multidimensional curriculum design for speech-pronunciation instruction," in Pronunciation Theory and Pedagogy: New Views, New Directions, J. Morley, Ed. Alexandria, VA: TESOL, 1994, pp. 64–91.

B. Zielinski & L. Yates. Pronunciation instruction is not appropriate for beginning-level learners. Pronunciation myths: Applying second language research to classroom teaching, 56-79, 2014.

M. Hismanoglu, "Current Perspectives on Pronunciation Learning and Teaching," Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 101–110, 2006.

J. Harmer, The Practice of English Language Teaching. London: Longman, 2001.

J. Kenworthy, Longman Handbook for English Teachers: Teaching English Pronunciation. New York: Longman, 1987.

Pearson Education, Score Guide (Levels A1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5): PTE General Score Guide. Pearson Education Ltd., 2012.

M. G. O’Brien, "Pronunciation matters," Teaching German, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 1–9, 2004.

M. Bernaus, A. Masgoret, R. Gardner, and E. Reyes, "Motivation and attitudes towards learning language in multicultural classrooms," International Journal of Multilingualism, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 75–89, 2004.

E. Gatbonton, P. Trofimovich, and M. Magid, "Learners’ ethnic group affiliation and L2 pronunciation accuracy: A sociolinguistic investigation," TESOL Quarterly, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 489–511, 2005.

S. H. Marinova-Todd, D. B. Marshall, and C. E. Snow, "Three misconceptions about age and L2 learning," TESOL Quarterly, vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 9–34, 2000.

A. Moyer, "Do language attitudes determine accent? A study of bilinguals in the USA," Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, vol. 28, no. 6, pp. 502–518, 2007.

R. L. Shively, "L2 acquisition of [β], [δ], and [γ] in Spanish: Impact of experience, linguistic environment, and learner variables," Southwest Journal of Linguistics, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 79–114, 2008.

A. P. Gilakjani and M. R. Ahmadi, "Why is Pronunciation So Difficult to Learn?" English Language Teaching, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 74–83, 2011.

B. Wenk, "Speech rhythms in second language acquisition," Language and Speech, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 157–175, 1985.

M. Mochizuki-Sudo and S. Kiritani, "Production and perception of stress-related durational patterns in Japanese learners of English," Journal of Phonetics, vol. 19, pp. 231–248, 1991.

J. Graham, "Four Strategies to Improve the Speech of Adult Learners," TESOL Journal, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 26–28, 1994.

D. P. Mahu, "Why is learning English so beneficial nowadays?" Journal of Perspectives on Communication, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 374–376, 2012.

L. Bunrosy & K. Vireak. Evolution of english language teaching (elt) methodologies and contemporary trends: a critical analysis of the cambodia context. European Journal of English Language Teaching, 9(6), 2024.

L. M. Leong and S. M. Ahmadi, "An analysis of factors influencing learners’ English speaking skill," International Journal of Research in English Education, pp. 34–41, 2017.

D. Nunan, Practical English Language Teachers. New York: McGraw Hill, 2003.

A. Hughes, Testing for Language Teachers. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003.

V. Tanase and A. I. Cuza, "Pros and cons of subtitling and dubbing of audiovisual texts in children’s programs and cartoons," Language Discourse, vol. 3, pp. 968–975, 2014.

M. Danan, "Can film dubbing projects facilitate EFL learners’ acquisition of English pronunciation?" British Journal of Educational Technology, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 28–45, 2010.

Y. J. C. Benzies, "Contribution of new technologies to teaching of English pronunciation," Language Value, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 1–35, 2017.

E. M. I. Hassan, "Pronunciation Problems: A Case Study of English Language Students at Sudan University of Science and Technology," English Language and Literature Studies, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 31–44, 2014.

F. Zhang and P. Yin, "A study of pronunciation problems of English learners in China," Asian Social Science, vol. 5, no. 6, pp. 142–146, 2009.

S. Sahatsathatsana, "Pronunciation problems of Thai students learning English phonetics: A case study at Kalasin University," Journal of Education, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 67–83, 2017.

S. Mitra, J. Tooley, P. Inamdar, and P. Dixon, "Improving English pronunciation: An automated instructional approach," The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Information Technologies and International Development, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 75–84, 2003.

A. Abdurrahman, "The effect of native-speaker video clips with subtitles and self-regulated learning strategies on activating English as foreign language students’ oral vocabulary," Advanced Science Letters, vol. 21, no. 7, pp. 2297–2300, 2015.

P. Varasarin, "An action research study of pronunciation training, language learning strategies, and speaking confidence," Doctoral thesis, Victoria University, Australia, 2007.

S. S. Tseng, "The impact of video and written feedback on student preferences of English speaking practice," Language Learning & Technology, vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 145–158, 2019.

R. C. Shih, "Blended learning using video-based blogs: Public speaking for English as a second language students," Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, vol. 26, no. 6, pp. 883–897, 2010.

N. Selwyn, Should Robots Replace Teachers? AI and the Future of Education. Polity Press, 2020.

B. Means, Y. Toyama, R. Murphy, M. Bakia, and K. Jones, “The effectiveness of online and blended learning: A meta-analysis of the empirical literature,” Teachers College Record, vol. 115, no. 3, pp. 1–47, 2014.

M. Warschauer and T. Matuchniak, “New technology and digital worlds: Analyzing evidence of equity in access, use, and outcomes,” Review of Research in Education, vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 179–225, 2010.

P. DiMaggio and B. Bonikowski, “Make money surfing the web? The impact of internet use on the earnings

J. Bynner and S. Parsons, “Social exclusion and the transition from school to work: The case of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET),” Journal of Vocational Behavior, vol. 60, no. 2, pp. 289–309, 2002.

A. P. Carnevale, M. L. Fasules, and K. P. Campbell, Workplace basics: The competencies employers want. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 2020.

J. A. Van Dijk, “A theory of the digital divide,” in The Digital Divide, pp. 29–52, 2020.

C. Hodges, S. Moore, B. Lockee, T. Trust, and A. Bond, “The difference between emergency remote teaching and online learning,” Educause Review, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 1–12, 2020.

K. Vireak, S. Rany, L. Bunrosy, and R. Wen, "Challenges and Opportunities of Educational Technology Integration in Cambodian Higher Education Institutions: A Literature Review," International Journal of Education, Psychology and Counselling (IJEPC), vol. 9, no. 54, 2024, https://gaexcellence.com/ijepc/article/view/285.

R. Sam. Challenges and Opportunities of Educational Technology Integration in Cambodian Higher Education Institutions: A Literature Review. Available at SSRN 4849873. 2024.

K. Vireak and L. Bunrosy, "Exploring language teaching methods: An in-depth analysis of grammar translation, direct method, and audiolingual method: A literature review," 2024.

S. T. A. Hung, "Enhancing feedback provision through multimodal video technology," Computers & Education, vol. 98, pp. 90–101, 2016.

A. Crook, A. Mauchline, S. Maw, C. Lawson, R. Drinkwater, K. Lundqvist, P. Orsmond, S. Gomez, and J. Park, "The use of video technology for providing feedback to students: Can it enhance the feedback experience for staff and students?" Computers and Education, vol. 58, no. 1, pp. 386–396, 2012.

S. T. A. Hung and H. T. D. Huang, "Video blogging and English presentation performance: A pilot study," Psychological Reports, vol. 117, no. 2, pp. 614–630, 2015.

J. W. Creswell, Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research, 4th ed. Boston, MA: Pearson, 2012.

A. Burns, Doing Action Research in English Language Teaching: A Guide for Practitioners, New York: Routledge, 2010.

Cambridge English Language Assessment, Cambridge English Preliminary: Handbook for Teachers. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2016.

M. Warschauer, Technology and Social Inclusion: Rethinking the Digital Divide. MIT Press, 2004.

R. A. I. Chaimaa and W. K. E. N. I. O. U. I., "The Role of Using Authentic Videos on Learners’ Pronunciation," Doctoral dissertation, University Center of Abdalhafid Boussouf-MILA, 2023.

H. A. Po’latova and R. Yokutkhon, "The importance of pronunciation in second language acquisition," Journal of New Century Innovations, vol. 48, no. 1, pp. 151–156, 2024.

J. Zeng, "A theoretical review of the role of teacher professional development in EFL students’ learning achievement," Heliyon, vol. 9, no. 5, 2023.

L. S. Vygotsky, Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press, 1978.

E. L. Deci and R. M. Ryan, “The ‘what’ and ‘why’ of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior,” Psychological Inquiry, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 227–268, 2000.

Z. Dörnyei, The Psychology of the Language Learner: Individual Differences in Second Language Acquisition. Routledge, 2005.

M. Danan, “Captioning and subtitling: Undervalued language learning strategies,” Meta: Journal des traducteurs, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 67–77, 2004.

A. Kalyanov. Software Developers’ Experiences with CALL in the Context of the Four Language Competencies (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) and Teacher and Learner Fit: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. 2024.

R. Spring, "Can video-creation project work affect students' oral proficiency? An analysis of fluency, complexity, and accuracy," TESL-EJ, vol. 24, no. 2, n2, 2020.

J. Sweller, “Cognitive load theory, learning difficulty, and instructional design,” Learning and Instruction, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 295–312, 1994.

D. A. Abidin, "EFL Learners Attitude toward English Phonetics Learning in English Program at IAIN Parepare," Doctoral dissertation, IAIN Parepare, 2024.

L. Henrichsen, Principles for Teaching Pronunciation in the Communicative Classroom. Brigham Young University Press, 2000.

N. Nabylah. The use of dubbing video to improve students’speaking skills at ninth grade of smpn 01 palopo (Doctoral dissertation, Institut Agama Islam Negeri (IAIN) Palopo). 2023.

L. Henrichsen. Online resources for learners and teachers of English language pronunciation. TESL Reporter, 51, 67-67. 2018.

Published
2025-05-02
How to Cite
[1]
H. Chamroeun, “Effectiveness of Tutorial Videos in Enhancing Pronunciation: A Study on Cambodian EFL Learners and Social Implications”, Jo. Soc. Know. Ed, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 164-181, May 2025.
Section
Articles