survey on interlocutor accent likeability in listening class

The interlocutor's accent plays an important role in the listener's understanding. In the context of English education majors, introducing students to various accents can improve listening comprehension and prepare them to be able to communicate globally. This research aims to identify the accents that students like, as well as the reasons behind their preferences. The study employs a quantitative approach, utilizing a survey method with a structured questionnaire and rating scale to validate the results. The researchers employed a cluster sampling technique, selecting participants from a class who were enrolled in an introductory listening class at an English department class at a private university in Malang. Respondents were asked to evaluate five English accents, namely, Indian, Thai, Indonesian, American, and Korean, through videos provided. The findings showed that the Indonesian accent was the most preferred due to its clarity and familiarity with the students' language backgrounds, while the Thai accent was the least preferred because the pronunciation and word stress were difficult to understand. The results of this study highlight the need to integrate local and foreign accents in listening materials to cultivate comprehensive listening skills. This study contributes to the understanding of Indonesian EFL learners’ perceptions and preferences regarding foreign English accents, which has important implications for the design of listening materials and teaching strategies. By recognizing learners’ accent preferences and challenges, more effective and culturally inclusive approaches can be developed to improve students’ listening skills and intercultural competence in diverse English-speaking contexts.