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15(2)2025

Challenges faced by Vietnamese university English majors in speaking English and their motivation for improving speaking skills


Author - Affiliation:
Thuong Hoai Le - Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam
Ngoc Thi Nhu Truong - Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam
Nhan Thanh Nguyen - Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam
Trang Thao Huyen Pham - Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam
Corresponding author: Ngoc Thi Nhu Truong - ngocttn@huit.edu.vn
Submitted: 25-01-2024
Accepted: 01-03-2024
Published: 06-06-2024

Abstract
In today’s interconnected world, English proficiency is no longer a choice but a necessity for progress. This study investigates the challenges faced by final-year English-major students in Vietnamese public universities and their motivation for improving their speaking skills. Through questionnaires, 91 students revealed moderate difficulties in speaking skills stemming from psychological and linguistic factors. Also, students generally display a moderate level of motivation to improve their speaking skills, indicating varied sources of motivation. Significantly, a noteworthy correlation is observed between difficulties in speaking skills and speaking achievement, underscoring the interlinked nature of these variables. However, motivation did not correlate with either speaking difficulties or achievement. This study emphasizes the intricacies of language learning, advocating for educators to employ comprehensive approaches that address the diverse challenges and motivations influencing students' proficiency in speaking skills. These insights can contribute to shaping educational policies, designing curricula, and teaching strategies to enhance the English learning experience for students at public universities in Vietnam.

Keywords
English majors; English speaking difficulties; motivation; speaking skills; Vietnamese university students

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46223/HCMCOUJS.soci.en.15.2.3212.2025
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