GANGGUAN VARIASI PELAFALAN FONEM /r/ DI TENGAH KATA PADA MAHASISWA FKIP UMPRI

This study aims to identify and describe the forms of pronunciation variation disorder of the phoneme /r/ in the middle of the word and analyze the factors that cause it in students of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Pringsewu (UMPRI). The research used a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques through the methods of listening, recording, note-taking, observation, and interviews. The research subjects were ten students who experienced pronunciation disorder of phoneme /r/. The results show that the most dominant forms of pronunciation disorders are the replacement of the phoneme /r/ with other sounds, omission of phonemes, and vague pronunciation, with the main focus on the middle position of the word. The percentage of disruption in the /r/ phoneme in the middle position ranged from 38% to 91%. All informants indicated that the main factors causing the disorder were physiological, especially the condition of the short tongue (ankyloglossia) and the limitation of tongue muscle movement. This study contributes to the fields of applied phonology and psycholinguistics, and has important implications in education, especially in fostering the speaking skills of prospective educators. It is recommended that educational institutions provide speech therapy support and language coaching to optimally improve students' communication skills.