English Listening Errors of University Students in Bangka Belitung, Indonesia

Abstract

Many individuals possess the ability to hear spoken English, yet actively listening and comprehending it presents significant challenges, particularly for international students like those from Indonesia. This research investigates the listening proficiency levels and specific errors encountered by students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Bangka Belitung. Employing a mixed-methods approach with an embedded design, the study analysed 21 students’ grades. Besides, the in depth interview was conducted to gather comprehensive data. The findings reveal that the students' listening scores remain comparatively low. Several factors contribute to these lower scores, including confusion arising from words that sound alike, either through rhyming endings or being complete homophones. Furthermore, a limited English vocabulary, difficulties in processing diverse accents and the rapid speech of native speakers in audio recordings also impede comprehension. Recognizing these underlying causes is crucial, as it empowers educators to implement targeted teaching methodologies and strategies designed to address these specific listening challenges effectively.