THE IMPACT OF PHONICS AND INTONATION TRAINING ON EFL LEARNERS’ SPEAKING SKILLS

Abstract

Phonics and intonation are important components of effective English speaking instruction. While phonics helps learners understand the relationship between letters and sounds, intonation enables them to use pitch variation to express meaning, emotion, emphasis, and communicative intention. EFL learners may experience difficulties in speaking because of inaccurate sound production, limited awareness of English sound patterns, inappropriate stress, and ineffective intonation. This article examines the impact of phonics and intonation training on EFL learners’ speaking skills. It discusses how systematic phonics instruction can improve learners’ pronunciation accuracy and decoding skills, while intonation training can contribute to more natural, expressive, and intelligible speech. The article also presents practical classroom techniques, including sound-letter activities, minimal pairs, phonics-based reading, shadowing, dialogue practice, role-playing, and intonation drills. The article argues that combining phonics and intonation instruction can support the development of pronunciation, fluency, listening awareness, confidence, and overall communicative competence.