LEARNING NATIVE-LIKE ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION AND CULTURAL IDENTITY OF PAKISTANI ESL LEARNERS.

Acquiring native-like pronunciation is the epitome of second/foreign language learning, but is hardest to achieve. Recently, it has been recognized that adopting a native-like or localized accent of a second/foreign language can also be a matter of choice, influenced by learners' sense of identity with their local culture - a socio-cultural factor. Taking up this research inclination, the study has inquired if Pakistani ESL learners' sense of cultural identity has any influence on their attitude towards adopting native-like English pronunciation. One hundred and thirty ESL learners from NUML, Islamabad, were surveyed through a questionnaire targeting both the variables of the study - cultural identity and native-like English pronunciation. Twenty of the study participants were interviewed as well. Data gathered from both tools of the study was triangulated to generate the results. Findings revealed that despite identifying strongly with their native culture, Pakistani ESL learners hold a positive attitude towards adopting native-like English pronunciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]