Analysis of Fricative Consonant Pronunciation of High-Ability Students In The Fifth Semester of The English Education Study Program At Muhammadiyah University Kotabumi Academic Year 2024/2025

This research aims to analyze the pronunciation of fricative consonants among high-ability students in the fifth semester of the English Education Study Program at Muhammadiyah University Kotabumi in the academic year 2024/2025. The study uses a qualitative method to explore how these students articulate English fricative sounds, which include /f/, /v/, /θ/, /ð/, /s/, /z/, /ʃ/, /ʒ/, and /h/. Data were collected through pronunciation tests and video recordings of eight high-ability students, selected based on their high scores in Vocabulary and Pronunciation courses. The analysis focuses on three main aspects: the accuracy of pronunciation, common pronunciation errors, and the most problematic fricative consonants. The findings reveal that although the students generally performed well, certain sounds such as /ʒ/, /v/, /θ/, and /ð/. were frequently mispronounced. Common errors included substitution, omission, and insertion, often influenced by differences between the English and Indonesian sound systems. The study highlights the need for increased focus on phonetic training and pronunciation practice, particularly for sounds not found in the students' native language.