Strategies Employed by Successful Non-English Majors in Enhancing Their Speaking Proficiency: Experiences of Students at Seiyun High Model School
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/bej.2025.6Keywords:
speaking proficiency, strategies, non-English majors, successful English speakers, English as a foreign language (EFL)Abstract
The researcher observed that some English-major undergraduates cannot speak English fluently and accurately. Yet, some non-English major students, even at the secondary education level, can acquire a good competence in English. The current study takes place at Hadhramout (the valley), which is one of the governorates of Yemen, an Arab country. This study hence aims to identify the strategies leading to the success of non-English majors in acquiring proficiency in speaking English as a foreign language, reflecting the experiences of Seiyun High Model School students. The study sample includes 11 non-English major students who are members of the English Club of Seiyun High Model School. Selection of the participants is done based on their level of proficiency in speaking English. The data are collected via focus group interview, and content analysis is used as a method for data analysis. The study reveals that non-English majors, based on the opinions of the students of Seiyun High Model School, adopt several successful strategies enabling them to achieve proficiency in spoken English. These strategies include highlighting the role of listening exposure, consistent practice, motivation, effective learning techniques, and confidence-building. The study also revealed that grammar is important in casual speech, yet it is important in formal settings, and that traditional education often focuses on grammar at the expense of aural and oral communication.
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