ISSN: 2226-6348
Open access
Introduction: Mastery of speaking skills is essential for success in today’s society. Effective communication relies heavily on the ability to speak well. English, as a global language, holds great importance in various fields such as economics, politics, education, science, and technology. Problem statement: Libyan learners face difficulties in developing speaking skills and fail to communicate effectively as native speakers, despite studying the language for many years in schools and universities. Traditional approaches like the Grammar-Translation Method (GTM) employed in Libyan schools are often blamed for hindering fluency in English, making the language learning process challenging. English teachers in Libya often overlook teaching oral activities found in textbooks and solely focus on aspects they believe will be covered in exams. It is essential to acknowledge that learning and developing speaking skills require time, and learners need to acquire new vocabulary daily in order to understand and express themselves effectively.Therefore, there are limited studies on the difficulties of Libyan learners facing in speaking during their secondary education, as well as the factors that negatively impact their language skills and hinder their ability to speak in the classroom. Objective: this research aims to identify the causes that contribute to low proficiency in English speaking skills among Libyan EFL learners. Methods: the searching done by using some online database such as Scopus, Web of science and google scholar on articles published between 2014 and 2024. Results: the finding of this study shown that the Libyan learners have limited opportunities to practice oral communication skills both in and outside the classroom. Conclusion: there are factors that contribute to difficulties in both academic and personal communication. Furthermore, this study highlights the obstacles EFL teachers encounter when teaching speaking skills in classrooms, including proficiency, large class sizes, limited class durations, and a lack of teaching aids and resources.
Abdelati, S. (2019). Communication Strategies in Libyan EFL Classrooms: Materials, Perceptions and Practices Candidate Declaration. Sheffield Hallam University.
Abdelaty, S. (2023). Teachers ’ Use of a Compulsory EFL Textbook in Libya?: A Mixed Methods Study. May. https://doi.org/10.26717/BJSTR.2023.50.007940
Abo-Elhassan, H. M. A., Mahmoud, N. A. M., & Mohamed, Y. K. (2021). Using Reciprocal Teaching Strategy to Develop English Language Speaking Skills among Second Year Preparatory Stage Students in Abu-Elreesh Qibly Preparatory School. 36.
Akhter, S., Haidov, R., Rana, A. M., Haidov, R., & Rana, A. M. (2020). EXPLORING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SPEAKING SKILL FOR EFL. 17(9), 6019–6030.
Al-bakbak, O. A. (2019). A study of Communicative Language Teaching in schools in Misurata city?: a Libyan Context. 13.
Al-Omri, K., & Ahmed, M. (2019). The Effect of Extra-curricular Activities on the Development of Saudi Secondary-School EFL Students’ Oral Performance in Al-Namas Province as perceived by EFL Teachers Khalid. 3(15), 184–203.
Aloreibi, A., & Carey, M. D. (2017). English Language Teaching in Libya After Gaddafi. Language Policy(Netherlands), 13, 93–114. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46778-8_7
Al Jawad, A. S. H. (2023). The Effect of Using Cooperative Learning Method in Enhancing EFL Students’ Performance in Speaking Skill in Libyan Universities: A Case Study of Benghazi University Ahmed. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation (IJLLT), 3(11), 64–74. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijllt
Alimi, B. (2015). Enhancing Students ’ Speaking Skill through Cooperative Group Work Technique. In University of Biskra (Issue June).
Allafi, S. M. (2023). Libyan EFL Teachers’ Beliefs, Practices, and Challenges Regarding Target Language Use in Public High School Classrooms: Translanguaging Pedagogies to Achieve Balanced and Effective Teaching to Empower EFL Learners to Speak in the Target Language Salma (Vol. 14, Issue 5). University of Minnesota.
Alrasheedi, S. (2020). Investigation of Factors Influencing Speaking Performance of Saudi EFL Learners. Arab World English Journal, 11(4), 66–77. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol11no4.5
Alsied, S. M. (2019). The Role of Mobile Phones as Effective Tools for Language Learning by Libyan EFL Learners.
Alzatma, A. (2020). Using Mobile Apps to Improve English Speaking Skills of EFL Students at the Islamic University of Gaza. the Islamic University of Gaza ?.
Ashreef, S. (2018). A study into the teaching and learning of English speaking skills at Al Jabal Al Gharbi University from the teachers’ and students’ perspectives (Issue November). Liverpool John Moores University.
Azitoni, R. M. (2020). The role of teachers’ strategies in motivating formative learners of English as a foreign language: a study of English teaching in Libyan primary schools?. In 2020?. https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q5yy2/the-role-of-teachers-strategies-in-motivating-formative-learners-of-english-as-a-foreign-language-a-study-of-english-teaching-in-libyan-primary-schools
Chaya, P., & Inpin, B. (2020). Effects of Integrating Movie-Based Mobile Learning Instruction for Enhancing Thai University Students’ Speaking Skills and Intercultural Communicative Competence. English Language Teaching, 13(7), 27. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v13n7p27
Diaab, S. (2016). Role of Faulty Instructional Methods in Libyan EFL Learners Speaking Difficulties. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 232(April), 338–345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.10.032
El Mezughi, K. (2021). Understanding Libyan Teachers ’ Intentions and Classroom Practices in Teaching English as a Foreign Language Understanding Libyan Teachers ’ Intentions and Classroom Practices in Teaching English as a Foreign Language [University of Denver]. https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd Part
Elabbar, A. A. (2011). An investigation of influences affecting Libyan English as Foreign Language University Teachers (LEFLUTs), teaching approaches in the language classrooms. School of Education College of Social Sciences University of Glasgow, September, 2011. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/2983/
Elsaghayer, M. (2014). Lack of Oral Proficiency in English among Secondary Students in Misurata: Reasons and Remedies. Journal of Foreign Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 2(2), 201–209. https://doi.org/10.14706/jfltal152217
Esgaiar, E. (2019). An evaluation of the English language teaching provision in a Libyan University Ebtesam Esgaiar. January.
Gadri, W. I. G. (2021). FACTORS AFFECTING SPEAKING ABILITY FOR EFL SECONDARY SCHOOL MALE STUDENTS IN JAZAN, SAUDI ARABIA WALEED [Universiti Teknologi Malaysia]. In Fisheries Research (Vol. 140, Issue 1). http://dspace.ucuenca.edu.ec/bitstream/123456789/35612/1/Trabajo de Titulacion.pdf%0Ahttps://educacion.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2019/01/GUIA-METODOLOGICA-EF.pdf%0Ahttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2013.04.005%0Ahttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-
Gilakjani, A. P. (2017). A Review of the Literature on the Integration of Technology into the Learning and Teaching of English Language Skills. International Journal of English Linguistics, 7(5), 95. https://doi.org/10.5539/ijel.v7n5p95
Gilakjani, A. P., Mei Leong, L., & Nizam Ismail, H. (2013). Teachers’ Use of Technology and Constructivism. International Journal of Modern Education and Computer Science, 5(4), 49–63. https://doi.org/10.5815/ijmecs.2013.04.07
Hamuda, M. A., Selamat, S., & Ismail, H. (2023). Speaking Proficiency And The Main Factors Faced By Students In Libyan Secondary Education. Journal of Namibian Studies: History Politics Culture, 35, 4717-4730.
Holandyah, M., Erlina, D., & Amalia, F. (2022). Speaking Challenges in a Life Skill Program for Islamic Boarding School Students?: A Case Study. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 13(3), 670–677.
Hughes, R. (2013). Teaching and Researching: Speaking. Teaching and Researching: Speaking, 1–226. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315833736
Hussain, S. (2017). Teaching Speaking Skills in Communication Classroom. International Journal of Media, Journalism and Mass Communications (IJMJMC), 3(3), 14–21. https://doi.org/10.20431/2454-9479.0303003
Hussein, N. M., Mohamed, S. F., & Salem, M. Z. (2018). Developing EFL Fluency Skills Among Faculty of Education Students Using the Multimodal Approach. 25.
Hussein, S. (2018). Factors affecting the implementation of Communicative Language Teaching in Libyan secondary schools.
Jahbel, K. (2019). Communication Difficulties Faced By Undergraduate Libyan Students. KnE Social Sciences, 3(10), 147. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v3i10.3896
Jahbel, Khalil. (2019). Communication Difficulties Faced By Undergraduate Libyan Students. KnE Social Sciences, 3(10), 147. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v3i10.3896
Khalid, K. A. A. (2022). Paper title?: A Study on English Speaking Skills among the University Students in South Libya. Sebha University Journal of Human Sciences, 21(September 2021), 1–5. https://sebhau.edu.ly/journal/index.php/johs%0APaper
Khan, M., Radzuan, N. R., & Shahbaz, M. (2018). No TitleThe Role of Vocabulary Knowledge in Speaking Development of Saudi EFL Learners. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ), 9(1), 406–418.
Leong, L.-M., & Ahmadi, S. M. (2017). An Analysis of Factors Influencing Learners’ English Speaking Skill. International Journal of Research in English Education, 2(1), 34–41. https://doi.org/10.18869/acadpub.ijree.2.1.34
Mansor, R. (2017). The Use of the Mother Tongue in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language in Libyan Higher Education Rania Mansor A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Manchester Metropolitan University for the degree of Doctor of Philos.
Manurung, Y., & Izar, S. (2019). Challenging Factors Affecting Students’ Speaking Performance. ICLLE 2019, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.19-7-2019.2289545
Mazouzi, S. (2013). Analysis of some factors affecting learners’ oral performance a case study: 3 rd year pupils of Menaa’s middle schools. A Dissertation, June, 1–95.
Mofareh A., A. (2019). Difficulties Facing Students in English Language Conversation. International Research in Higher Education, 4(3), 51. https://doi.org/10.5430/irhe.v4n3p51
Muttaqin, M. Z. (2019). Enhancing Speaking Skills in the Material of Remedial Learning Through Community Language Learning in SMP Multazam Semarang. Vision: Journal for Language and Foreign Language Learning, 8(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.21580/vjv8i13266
Najeeb, S. S. R. (2013). The Business of Teaching English as a Second Language: A Libyan Case Study. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 70, 1243–1253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.01.184
Nazara, S. (2011). Students’ Perception on EFL Speaking Skill Development. JET (Journal of English Teaching), 1(1), 28. https://doi.org/10.33541/jet.v1i1.50
Nunan, D. (n.d.). Second Language Teaching & Learning.
Owen, E. A., & Razali, A. B. (2018). The Effect of Communicative Activities on Libyan Secondary School Students’ Speaking Performance in Malaysia. In International Journal of Instruction (Vol. 11, Issue 4). www.e-iji.net
Owen, E. A., RAZALI, A. B., & ELHAJ, I. A. (2019). From the Past to the Present: A View of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Libya and the Role of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) Approach. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v9-i2/5580
Pathan, M. M., Aldersi, Z., Alsout, E.?; M., & Alsout, E. (2014). Speaking in their Language: An Overview of Major Difficulties Faced by the Libyan EFL Learners in Speaking Skill. In International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies (Vol. 2, Issue 3). http://www.eltsjournal.orghttp//www.eltsjournal.org
Purwati, D., Faruq Ubaidillah, M., & Restall, G. C. (2023). “Sorry, I Can’t Speak”: English Teachers’ Challenges of Teaching EFL Speaking in an Indonesian Vocational High School Sector. Mextesol Journal, 47(1), 0–2. https://doi.org/10.61871/mj.v47n1-1
Qureshi, H., Javed, F., & Baig, S. (2020). The Effect of Psychological Factors on English Speaking Performance of Students Enrolled in Postgraduate English Language Teaching The Effect of Psychological Factors on English Speaking Performance of Students Enrolled in Postgraduate English Language Te. May 2021. https://doi.org/10.31703/glr.2020(V-II).11
Raj, K. A., & Baisel, A. (2022). Role Of Mobile Application In Enhancing English Speaking Skills. Journal of Positive School Psycholog, 6(8), 250–261.
Rao, P. (2019). The Importance of Speaking Skills in English Classrooms. Alford Council of International English & Literature Journal(ACIELJ), 2(2), 6–18.
Rizqiningsih, S., & Hadi, M. S. (2019). Multiple Intelligences (MI) on Developing Speaking Skills. English Language in Focus (ELIF), 1(2), 127. https://doi.org/10.24853/elif.1.2.127-136
Sahboun, Y., Razak, N. A., & Wahi, W. (2024). Authentic Materials In Enhancing Libyan EFL Students Speaking Skills. 7, 1016–1026.
Salheen, D. A. A. (2023). Challenges of Oral Participation in English Classrooms: A Study of Libyan Undergraduate Learners in the English Department. International Journal of Intellectual Discourse, 6(1).
Saidouni, K. (2019). The Effect of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning on Developing EFL Students’ Speaking Skill: The Case of Second Year Students of English at Batna-2 University. http://eprints.univ-batna2.dz/1773/
Seraj, P., & Habil, H. (2021). A Systematic Overview of Issues for Developing EFL Learners ’ Oral English A Systematic Overview of Issues for Developing EFL Learners ’ Oral English Communication Skills. Journal of Language & Education, 7(April1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.17323/jle.2021.10737
Seraj, P. M. I., Habil, H., & Hasan, M. K. (2020). Investigating EFL learners’ readiness of using smartphone and problems for learning oral English communication skills at tertiary level in an EFL context. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 14(14), 148–163. https://doi.org/10.3991/IJIM.V14I14.14759
Soliman, E. M. S. (2013). Libyan teachers’ Attitudes and Believes Regarding the Use of EFL Authentic Materials within Reading Lessons at Universities Levels in Libya. International Journal of Learning and Development, 3(5), 121. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijld.v3i5.4484
Syafiq, A. N., Rahmawati, A., & Oktaviana, T. (2021). Increasing Speaking Skill through YouTube Video as English Learning Material during Online Learning in Pandemic Covid-19. 3(1), 50–55.
Thornbury, S. (2005). how to teach speaking.
Toubot, A. M., Hock Seng, G., & Binti Atan Abdullah, A. (2018). Examining Levels and Factors of Speaking Anxiety among EFL Libyan English Undergraduate Students. International Journal of Applied Linguistics and English Literature, 7(5), 47. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.7n.5p.47
Zadma, E.-T. A.-F. (2018). How Secondary School Libyan Teachers Assess Students’ Oral Communication (Issue April) [University of Sunderland. Downloaded from: http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/9585/ Usage]. http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/9585/
Zargoun, Z. E. (2024). Investigating Problems and Difficulties of Speaking English among Undergraduates in Msllata College. Bani Waleed University Journal of Humanities and Applied Sciences, 9(1), 747–769.
Zrekat, Y., & Al-Sohbani, Y. (2022). Arab EFL University Learners Perceptions of The Factors Hindering Them to Speak English Fluently. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 18(1), 775–790. https://doi.org/10.52462/jlls.219
Thornbury, S. (2019). How to teach speaking [E-book]. Vancouver, B.C.: Langara College Retrieved from https: //www. scribd. com/ doc/ 275587410/ Thornbury-How-to-Teach
Tawir, K. M. O., & Baharum, H. I. Bin. (2024). Factors Affecting Low English-Speaking Proficiency among Secondary School EFL Learners in Libya: Scoping Review. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 13(4), 2160–2175.
Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s)
Published by HRMARS (www.hrmars.com)
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode