Speaking Poverty Among Learners of English in Sierra Leone
Keywords:
English speaking poverty, oral aptitude, knack, public discourse and adeptness
Abstract
The study examined sociocultural and linguistic strategies for cultivating ESL oral proficiency among Learners of English in Sierra Leone. It aimed to determine the relationship between learners’ bi/multilingual backgrounds and their English adeptness, as well as the influence of societal and cultural temperateness on language learning. A systematic random sampling technique was employed within a mixed-methods design, and data were collected from 1000 learners using questionnaires, discussions and interviews with results analyzed and presented. Findings showed that over 85% of the learners made noticeable pronunciation errors during speaking activities. The study also revealed that traditional teaching methods, such as grammar translation and rote learning, contributed significantly to the decline in fluency and overall language proficiency. Furthermore, learners in urban areas performed better than those in rural settings. Many learners demonstrated weaknesses in spelling, pronunciation, and subject-verb agreement in both spoken and written communication. These outcomes were linked to teacher centred, traditional teaching methods and exam oriented approaches that relied heavily on textbooks. The study recommended increased learner participation through interactive strategies such as open discussions, debates, peer and public speaking. From the perspective of Authenticity Theory, the findings indicated that oral fluency development depended not only on linguistic knowledge but also on meaningful, real life language use with focus on society and culture. Learners who engaged in authentic speaking activities showed greater confidence, improved enunciation, and enhanced ESL use. In contrast, fluency remained limited where instruction focused mainly on rote memorization and examination drills, highlighting a gap between academic achievement and communicative competence.
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References
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https://doi.org/10.28926/jdr.v8i2.406
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20. Lustenberger, A. (2024). Promoting speaking in the young learner classroom through task based digital storytelling via online technology: A case study. Journal of China Computer Assisted Language Learning, 4(1), 6–41. https://doi.org/10.1515/jccall-2023-0004
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22. Peltonen, Pauliina (2024) Key Concepts in ELT: Fluency revisited. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
23. Robayo Acuña, L. M. (2025). Developing Oral Fluency in English: EFL Teachers’ Understanding, Self-Reported Practices, and Textbook Support. Profile: Issues in Teachers’ Professional Development, 27(2), 121–136.
https://doi.org/10.15446/profile.v27n2.115146
24. Rodrigo A. Rodríguez-Fuentes, Luzkarime Calle-Díaz, (2023). Fluency development beyond speech rate: A study on the effects of read aloud protocols on EFL learners, Ampersand, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amper.2023.100133.
25. Sheriff, Abu Bakarr; Stevens, John Pahoni; Challay, Saidu; Thulla, Philip F. Y (2025). A Sociolinguistic Study of Home Language Influence on English Language Proficiency in Mɛnde and Kàthemnɛ Regions. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology. 2025-08-04 https://DOI:10.38124/ijisrt/25jul1566.
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27. Stevens, John PaŋƆni; Prof. Challay, Saidu; Prof. Thulla, Philip Yamba (2023) Enhancing English Oral Fluency: A Study on Sierra Leone's Senior Secondary Students. Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning (JELTL) 2023-12-30
28. Stevens, John P; Prof. Challay, Saidu; Prof. Thulla, Foday Philip Yamba (2025) Improving Oral English Fluency in Senior Secondary School ESL Learners of Multilingual Backgrounds in Southern Sierra Leone. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) 2025
29. Stevens, John PaŋƆni (2025). Artificial Intelligence in the Teaching of English Grammar. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science 2025.
https://DOI:10.51584/ijrias.2025.10060066. Part of ISSN: 2454-6194
30. Stevens, John Pahoni & Sheriff, Abu Bakarr (2025). Multilingual Practices and their Pedagogical. Implications for ESL Instruction at Njala University and Eastern Technical University in Sierra Leone. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology 2025-08-07 https://DOI:10.38124/ijisrt/25jul1567.
31. Stevens, John PaŋƆni; Sheriff, Abu Bakarr; Prof. Challay, Saidu; Prof. Thulla, Foday Philip Yamba(2025). Lexical Transfer from Mɛnde and Kàthemnɛ in English Proficiency: A Comparative Lexico-Semantic Analysis. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) 2025-07-26 | Journal article |
32. Tavakoli, P., & Hunter, A. M. (2018). Is fluency being “neglected” in the classroom? Teacher understanding of fluency and related classroom practices. Language Teaching Research, 22(3), 330–349. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168817708462.
33. Thulla, F. Y, Moriba, M., Adom D. & Mensah-Gborie, M. (2021). The Rate of Reading Poverty after the COVID- 19 Pandemic School Shutdown and Specific Intervention Strategies for Lower Primary School Pupils in the Southern Province and Western Area of Sierra Leone: Journal of Language Teaching and Research 13(4):689-696. Available @ https://www.DOI:10.17507/jltr.1304.01. Retrieved on the 12th March 2023.
34. Xing, C., & Saeed, M. A. (2025). A systematic review on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in ESL/EFL speaking skills. International Journal of TESOL Studies, 1(31). https://doi.org/10.58304/ijts.250908
35. Yanwar, A. P., Sitthiworachart, J., & Joy, M. (2022). Implementing educational technology in the classroom to teach English skills: A systematic literature review. Journal of Higher Education Theory & Practice, 22(14). https://doi:10.33423/jhetp.v22i14.5542.
36. Yow-Jyy, J. L. and Yeu-Ting, L. (2021). Promoting Oral Presentation Skills Through Drama- Based Tasks with an Authentic Audience: A Longitudinal Study. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher. Pakistan.
37. Zhang, J., Liao, Q., Li, L., & Luo, J. (2026). The Influence of Natural Language Processing on EFL Speaking Skills: Investigating Learner Adaptability, Language Accuracy, and Fluency. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 64(1), 59-91
38. Zhao, M., Noordin, N., Ahmad, N. K. B., & Liu, L. (2024). Effectiveness of mobile-assisted language learning in developing oral English in higher education: A comparative systematic review. World Journal of English Language, 15(1), 1–56.
https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v15n1p56
2. Al-Khresheh, M. H. (2024). Bridging technology and pedagogy from a global lens: Teachers’ perspectives on integrating ChatGPT in English language teaching. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence,100218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2024.100218
3. Alcazaren, Holden Kenneth G. and Rafanan, Emerald R. (2017) A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Language-in-Education Policies and Their Implementations in Developing Countries: The Case of Selected Asian and African Countries. TESOL, International Journal Vol. 12, issue 2, ISSN 2094-3938
4. Cahyani, F. D., Fadhilawati, D., & Aini, M. R. (2024). Utilizing Seesaw application to lift students’ speaking proficiency in senior high school. Jurnal Pendidikan: Riset dan Konseptual, 8(2), 350-361. https://doi.org/10.28926/riset_konseptual.v8i2.987
5. Crompton, H., Edmett, A., Ichaporia, N., & Burke, D. (2024). AI and English language teaching: Affordances and challenges. British Journal of Educational Technology, 55(6), 2503 2529. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13460
6. Christian, D., McCarty, D., & Brown, C. (2020). Experiential education during the COVID-19 pandemic: A reflective process. Journal of Constructivist Psychology.
7. Crystal, D. (2020). The Forensic Stylistic Challenge. London: Penguin Books.
8. Daily Guide (2018). “WASSCE Candidates Fail Maths and English”. Monday, 16th March, 2018 Edition. Available @ http://dailyguideafrica.com/wassce-candidates-fail-maths-english Accessed on: 22/09/18
9. Daily Guide (2021). “WASSCE Candidates Fail Maths and English”. Thursday, 16th March, 2021 Edition. Available @ https://dailyguideafrica.com/wassce-candidates-fail-maths-english/. Accessed on: 12/09/21.
10. Duan, Yihao. (2024) Teaching Methods and Practical Research on Improving English Oral Fluency. Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, 8(7), 1721-1725. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2024.07.032
11. Elverici, S. E. (2024). Mobile technologies in blended learning environments for better speaking classes via Voki. Shanlax International Journal of Education, 12(2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.34293/education.v12i2.6229
12. Fatima, I., Ismail, S., Pathan, Z. and Memon, U. (2020). The power of openness to experience, extraversion, L2 self-confidence, classroom environment in predicting L2 willingness to communicate: International Journal of Instruction, 13(3), 909-924. Available @ http://www.doi:10.29333/iji.2020.13360. Retrieved on the 20th March, 2023.
13. Hasumi, T., & Chiu, M. S. (2024). Technology-enhanced language learning in English language education: Performance analysis, core publications, and emerging trends. Cogent Education, 11(1), 2346044. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2346044
14. Huda, F., & Rahmawati, H. (2024). The effectiveness of ELSA Speak role playing in teaching vocational school students to speak on report texts. Journal of Development Research, 8(2), 136-145.
https://doi.org/10.28926/jdr.v8i2.406
15. Jacob, A. A. (2022). Challenges Encountered by Learners of English as a second/ foreign language. Available @
https://owlcation.com/academia/amaado
16. Kabellow, J. K., Omulando, C. and Barasa L. (2022). Language Registers and their influence in the instructions of English Language in secondary schools in Kenya: Kenya Publishers, Kenya.
17. Kaushika Premarathne (2024). Developing Oral Fluency of Second Language Learners: A Narrative Review. University of Moratuwa. https://DOI:10.5281/zenodo.13334792
18. Kazu, I. Y., & Kuvvetli, M. (2024). Improve speaking skills with Duolingo's mobile game-based language learning. Asian Journal of Education and Training, 10(1), 62-75.
https://doi.org/10.20448/edu.v10i1.5488
19. Lee, J., Kim, D. J., & Park, H. (2019). Native listeners’ evaluations of pleasantness, foreign accent, comprehensibility, and fluency in the speech of accented talkers. In J. Levis, C. Nagle, & E. Todey (Eds.), Proceedings of the 10th Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Conference (pp. 168–178). Iowa State University.
20. Lustenberger, A. (2024). Promoting speaking in the young learner classroom through task based digital storytelling via online technology: A case study. Journal of China Computer Assisted Language Learning, 4(1), 6–41. https://doi.org/10.1515/jccall-2023-0004
21. Luo Beigang, Han Rui. (2023). A study on the relationship between oral fluency and communicative adequacy of college English major learners. Shandong Foreign Language Teaching, 44 (5): 59-68.
22. Peltonen, Pauliina (2024) Key Concepts in ELT: Fluency revisited. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
23. Robayo Acuña, L. M. (2025). Developing Oral Fluency in English: EFL Teachers’ Understanding, Self-Reported Practices, and Textbook Support. Profile: Issues in Teachers’ Professional Development, 27(2), 121–136.
https://doi.org/10.15446/profile.v27n2.115146
24. Rodrigo A. Rodríguez-Fuentes, Luzkarime Calle-Díaz, (2023). Fluency development beyond speech rate: A study on the effects of read aloud protocols on EFL learners, Ampersand, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amper.2023.100133.
25. Sheriff, Abu Bakarr; Stevens, John Pahoni; Challay, Saidu; Thulla, Philip F. Y (2025). A Sociolinguistic Study of Home Language Influence on English Language Proficiency in Mɛnde and Kàthemnɛ Regions. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology. 2025-08-04 https://DOI:10.38124/ijisrt/25jul1566.
26. Stevens John P, (2025). The Effect of Communication on the Administration of Tertiary Institutions: An In-depth Analysis. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) 2025-04-20 Part of ISSN: 2349-5162
27. Stevens, John PaŋƆni; Prof. Challay, Saidu; Prof. Thulla, Philip Yamba (2023) Enhancing English Oral Fluency: A Study on Sierra Leone's Senior Secondary Students. Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning (JELTL) 2023-12-30
28. Stevens, John P; Prof. Challay, Saidu; Prof. Thulla, Foday Philip Yamba (2025) Improving Oral English Fluency in Senior Secondary School ESL Learners of Multilingual Backgrounds in Southern Sierra Leone. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) 2025
29. Stevens, John PaŋƆni (2025). Artificial Intelligence in the Teaching of English Grammar. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science 2025.
https://DOI:10.51584/ijrias.2025.10060066. Part of ISSN: 2454-6194
30. Stevens, John Pahoni & Sheriff, Abu Bakarr (2025). Multilingual Practices and their Pedagogical. Implications for ESL Instruction at Njala University and Eastern Technical University in Sierra Leone. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology 2025-08-07 https://DOI:10.38124/ijisrt/25jul1567.
31. Stevens, John PaŋƆni; Sheriff, Abu Bakarr; Prof. Challay, Saidu; Prof. Thulla, Foday Philip Yamba(2025). Lexical Transfer from Mɛnde and Kàthemnɛ in English Proficiency: A Comparative Lexico-Semantic Analysis. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) 2025-07-26 | Journal article |
32. Tavakoli, P., & Hunter, A. M. (2018). Is fluency being “neglected” in the classroom? Teacher understanding of fluency and related classroom practices. Language Teaching Research, 22(3), 330–349. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168817708462.
33. Thulla, F. Y, Moriba, M., Adom D. & Mensah-Gborie, M. (2021). The Rate of Reading Poverty after the COVID- 19 Pandemic School Shutdown and Specific Intervention Strategies for Lower Primary School Pupils in the Southern Province and Western Area of Sierra Leone: Journal of Language Teaching and Research 13(4):689-696. Available @ https://www.DOI:10.17507/jltr.1304.01. Retrieved on the 12th March 2023.
34. Xing, C., & Saeed, M. A. (2025). A systematic review on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in ESL/EFL speaking skills. International Journal of TESOL Studies, 1(31). https://doi.org/10.58304/ijts.250908
35. Yanwar, A. P., Sitthiworachart, J., & Joy, M. (2022). Implementing educational technology in the classroom to teach English skills: A systematic literature review. Journal of Higher Education Theory & Practice, 22(14). https://doi:10.33423/jhetp.v22i14.5542.
36. Yow-Jyy, J. L. and Yeu-Ting, L. (2021). Promoting Oral Presentation Skills Through Drama- Based Tasks with an Authentic Audience: A Longitudinal Study. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher. Pakistan.
37. Zhang, J., Liao, Q., Li, L., & Luo, J. (2026). The Influence of Natural Language Processing on EFL Speaking Skills: Investigating Learner Adaptability, Language Accuracy, and Fluency. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 64(1), 59-91
38. Zhao, M., Noordin, N., Ahmad, N. K. B., & Liu, L. (2024). Effectiveness of mobile-assisted language learning in developing oral English in higher education: A comparative systematic review. World Journal of English Language, 15(1), 1–56.
https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v15n1p56
Published
2026-04-10
How to Cite
Stevens, J. P., & Sheriff, A. B. (2026). Speaking Poverty Among Learners of English in Sierra Leone. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 52, 250. Retrieved from https://eujournal.org/index.php/esj/article/view/20891
Section
ESI Preprints
Copyright (c) 2026 John Pahoni Stevens, Abu Bakarr Sheriff
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
