A Phenomenological Study: The Impacts of Developing Phonetic Awareness through Technological Resources on English Language Learners’ (ELL) Communicative Competences

Throughout our experience within the English Language Teaching (ELT) field and while acquiring a second language in English a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) settings, we have noticed that one of the main perceived challenges for English Language Learners (ELLs) is to effectively communicate. Most of the time, this issue comes from the concern or fear to mispronounce any word, considering that English manages some variations on its phonetic alphabet, which differs from other languages. Therefore, it becomes necessary for ELLs the acquisition of English phonemic awareness to improve their pronunciation, fluency, and confidence when orally communicating in English. Basing on the interlanguage hypothesis, phonemic awareness, English phonology theories, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and resources, this study aims to analyze- a.) to what extend does phonemic awareness development influence on students’ communication skills? b.) How effective is the implementation of technology to develop phonemic awareness? To do so, a phenomenological study, based on the constructivism epistemology, was conducted including a deep revision of the existed literature, various studies previously applied, and the researchers’ experience within the teaching and professional field to examine the impacts of developing phonetic awareness through technological resources on English language learners’ (ELL) communicative competences.