The fossilized pronunciation of the schwa sound / ə/ in the speech of Advanced Tunisian English learners: problem and causes

Abstract

It is probably true to say that most learners of a foreign or a second language fail to achieve their aim of native-like competence. Advanced Tunisian English Learners (ATEL) constitute an example; they faced problems speaking accurately due to the inability to permanently correct persistent errors. This condition has become known as fossilization. This paper focuses on the fossilized pronunciation of the schwa sound in the speech of ATEL. It analyses the problem and propounds the factors behind this phenomenon.