Exploring the Barriers to Speaking Fluency among EFL Students at Panjshir University

Abstract

EFL classes are designed to provide non-native speakers with the opportunity to learn and practice English language skills. Additionally, EFL classes aim to enhance students' vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation through different activities, including role-playing, group discussions, and language games.  Speaking is another key area of focus in EFL classes. The students are motivated to speak in an encouraging atmosphere where they receive feedback provided by their peers and English teachers. However, EFL students in the English language and literature department are unable to speak English fluently inside and outside the classroom. This study aims to investigate the common barriers, reasons, and causes hindering students from achieving English fluency. There are several reasons for the fluency problems among EFL students at this university. A qualitative method is employed in the current research to identify barriers from the perspectives of lecturers and students. The data was analyzed through thematic analysis, in which the researcher tended to discover the main causes impeding students from speaking English fluently. In conclusion, the low English fluency of students at Panjshir University has several reasons. The reasons are a lack of chance to practice speaking, students’ shyness about talking, and fear of making mistakes.