THE IMPACT OF PHONETIC TRANSCRIPTION ON PRONUNCIATION DEVELOPMENT IN EFL LEARNERS

Phonetic transcription constitutes a crucial component in language acquisition, especially in enhancing pronunciation skills and phonological awareness among learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). Due to the irregular nature of English orthography, learners often encounter difficulties in accurately pronouncing words. Phonetic transcription offers a structured representation of speech sounds through a system of symbols, most notably the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This paper explores how phonetic transcription facilitates the comprehension of sound–symbol correspondences, supports accurate pronunciation, and promotes learner autonomy. The study emphasizes the pedagogical value of incorporating phonetic transcription into language instruction. The results indicate that consistent engagement with phonetic notation significantly contributes to improved pronunciation and overall communicative effectiveness.