Abstract

This study aims to explore the challenges faced by secondary school students in Abudwak District, Galgmudug State, Somalia, concerning their proficiency in English speaking. Utilizing the study employed a descriptive qualitative approach, the research collected data through questionnaires and interviews, which were then analysed using version 25.0 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The sample consisted of 208 participants selected randomly from a total of 635 secondary students across the three most prominent schools in the district. The findings indicated that students’ English speaking abilities were significantly affected by three main issues: psychological factors (including self-doubt, shyness, anxiety, and nervousness), linguistic challenges (such as poor grammar and a limited vocabulary), and environmental influences (related to both family and school contexts).

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