Language barriers encountered by Georgian people is highly prevalent in university students and has a negative impact on their overall success. While research globally highlights the importance of language proficiency, there is a scarcity of studies addressing language dissonance, perceived stress, misunderstandings, and depression severity. Therefore, this study aimed to raise the awareness of Georgian students about the problems connected with the English language that are either due to lack of proficiency or difference between cultures. Additionally, the article included useful suggestions for enhancing language learning settings that would solve issues and facilitate the familiarization of Georgian English language learners overseas. 44 Georgian students were recruited electronically for the current study. Participants were eligible for the study if they had experience of studying in an English language speaking environment. The methodology involved collecting quantitative data through survey. The research revealed that 63.3% of Georgian students had a problem of understanding various English accents, which was their main concern. Pronunciation difficulties were identified as the second-largest issue (38.6%), followed by limited fluency in informal conversations (34.1%). Furthermore, the study found that writing and reading were not challenging compared to other skills since teachers in Georgian schools are mainly concerned with those two skills. The findings suggest that understanding and addressing cultural, social, and linguistic differences is critical. It also highlights the importance of readiness, because in most cases, merely knowing language is not always a guarantee of successful exchange year.

Authors:
Mariam Kantelashvili, Cambridge Education Corner, Georgia

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Mariam Kantelashvili is a lecturer at English Academy and Cambridge Education Corner in Tbilisi, Georgia, with five years of experience teaching English. She researches language barriers faced by Georgian students abroad and seeks to address gaps

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariam-kantelashvili-3a3571249/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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