What is a significant challenge for English language learners in developing phonemic awareness?

A significant challenge for English language learners in developing phonemic awareness lies in acquiring phonemic awareness of unfamiliar English phonemes. Phonemic awareness refers to the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. Many English learners come from language backgrounds where the phonemic inventory differs from that of English. This means they may not be familiar with certain sounds that are common in English but do not appear in their first language. When learners encounter these unfamiliar phonemes, they may struggle to perceive or produce them accurately, which can hinder their overall reading and speaking skills in English.

For instance, English includes sounds like the 'th' in "think" or the short 'i' in "sit," which might not have direct equivalents in other languages. Consequently, without sufficient exposure and practice with these sounds, learners may experience difficulties in recognizing the distinct sounds that make up words, which is essential for developing reading skills and improving pronunciation. This challenge can impede not only their ability to read but also their confidence in using the language.