A Comparative Analysis of Aspiration Errors among Postgraduate Students from Pashto and Punjabi Language Backgrounds

Abstract

This research investigates pronunciation errors in English, specifically focusing on aspiration among postgraduate students from Pashto and Punjabi backgrounds at a public university in Lahore. It aims to identify the distinct pronunciation challenges faced by these groups when learning English as a second language. Voice recordings of participants reading a selected passage from "The Dreams of Tipu Sultan" by Girish Karnad are analyzed, particularly focusing on words containing aspirated sounds, like the /t/ phonic. The study includes participants from both linguistic backgrounds to ensure diversity. Analysis reveals that Pashto speakers generally demonstrate better pronunciation proficiency with fewer errors, while Punjabi speakers struggle more with aspirated sounds, notably the /t/ phonic. These findings align with existing literature, emphasizing how the native language's phonological system influences English pronunciation. The research contributes to understanding language acquisition and suggests tailored teaching approaches for diverse student populations, emphasizing the need for customized interventions to improve English proficiency among Pashto and Punjabi speakers in multicultural academic settings.