Difficulties in the Pronunciation of English Vowel Sounds in Sixth Grade Spanish-Speaking Students in Barranquilla, Colombia

Objective: This study analyzes the difficulties in pronouncing specific English vowel sounds(/ɪ/, /ʌ/, /ʊ/, /ə/) among sixth-grade students at Nazareth Olaya School in Barranquilla, Colombia. Methodology: Using a mixed-methods approach with a case study design, the research involved a non-probability sample of six students. Data collection instruments included participant observation, interviews, analysis of audiovisual material, and surveys.Results: Persistent articulation problems were revealed, mainly due to differences between the Spanish and English vowel systems. Common error patterns were identified, such as confusion between similar sounds and the substitution of English phonemes for their Spanish counterparts. In addition, unclear articulation of certain vowels was observed, which negatively affects students' communicative competence in English.Conclusions: The study highlights the lack of specific pedagogical intervention to address these problems, which contributes to their persistence throughout the learning process. Phonetic barriers and the absence of specialized teaching resources in the classroomfurther exacerbate the problem.