A Comprehensive Study of the Variability and Determinants of the Interchangeability of the English Plosives /p/ and /b/ among Iraqi University Undergraduates

Abstract

This study examines the massive phonological challenge that is faced in the form of the Iraqi undergraduate college students in differentiating and proper production of the English plosive consonants /p/ and /b/. The glance at it shows too much inconsistency in the exchangeability of those sounds, which is mostly explained by the influence of the first language (L1) especially, the lack of the phoneme /p/ in the Arabic phonological system. It has been argued that this means that learners often replace /b/ with /p/ and exhibit ad hoc aspiration of /p/ in the same manner it is produced. In addition, there is a constant problem with the voicing test /p/ (unvoiced) /b/ (voiced). The results emphasize the importance of specific phonetic training and consciousness-raising exercises within the English language coaching programs in the Iraqi better education to enhance the accuracy of pronunciation and the normal communicative competency of the rookies.

Keywords: English Plosives, L1 Interference, Phonetic Environment, Interchangeability, Phonological Acquisition.