Contrastive Analysis of the Kurdish and English Sound Systems – A Review

Authors

  • Kafi Razzaq Ahmed University of Technology Malaysia, Johor Bahru
  • Vincent J. van Heuven Leiden University, The Netherlands
  • Abdullah Mohd Nawi Frisian Academy, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands

Keywords:

Consonants, Vowels, Pronunciation, Central Kurdish, BRE, AME

Abstract

In this review paper, the English and Kurdish sound systems are contrasted to identify similarities, differences, and potential difficulties in the process of learning English as a second (L2) or foreign (FL) language, to improve the English pronunciation instruction and also to ease the process of learning English sounds by English as a foreign language learners (EFLLs) with Kurdish as their native language. For this, the segmental (consonants & vowels) and suprasegmental (stress & intonation) features of both Standard British English and General American English were analyzed and compared to their Central Kurdish or Sorani Kurdish counterparts. Challenges for Kurdish learners of English are predicted. The analysis, synthesizing over 220 sources.

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Published

2025-10-31

How to Cite

Ahmed, K. R., Heuven, V. J. van, & Mohd Nawi, A. (2025). Contrastive Analysis of the Kurdish and English Sound Systems – A Review. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 14(4), 1149–1187. Retrieved from https://ijarped.com/index.php/journal/article/view/3926

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 4 (2025): Volume 14, Issue 4 (2025)

Section

Articles