RUKIJE LAMÇJA
DOI:
Abstract
This study examines the influence of the mother tongue (Albanian) on the acquisition of English phonetics by Albanian learners. The analysis focuses on phonetic and phonological differences between the two language systems, addressing consonants, vowels, stress, and intonation. Although Albanian and English share certain similarities, there are also significant mismatches, particularly in the pronunciation of phonemes unfamiliar to Albanian speakers (/θ, ð/, /ŋ/, /w/), distinctions between short and long vowels, as well as diphthongs. Negative transfer of Albanian features is evident at both the segmental level (substitution, addition, or omission of sounds) and the suprasegmental level (stress, intonation, rhythm), making accurate English pronunciation more challenging. The aim of this paper is also to highlight these differences in order to raise awareness among students and teachers of the importance of phonetic exercises, consistent practice, and exposure to native speakers.
Keywords: foreign language, mother tongue, phonetic transfer, segmental phonetic level, supra-segmental phonetic level.