Effect of (Non) Native English Accents on Students’ Listening Comprehension:

Abstract

Listening comprehension plays a key role in successful language learning, especially in understanding spoken English in various accents. In this regard, both native and non-native English accents may influence learners' ability to comprehend spoken language. This study aims to explore second-year EFL students' attitudes toward native and non-native English accents and examine how these accents influence their listening comprehension. A descriptive quantitative method was adopted to conduct the investigation. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to 150 second-year students at the Department of English at 8 Mai 1945 University – Guelma; however, only 90 students completed the questionnaire. The results revealed that non-native accents initially presented more challenges, but regular exposure contributed to improved comprehension. Furthermore, students generally expressed positive attitudes toward listening to different English accents.