ABSTRACT

Name : Aprillia
Study Program : English Education
Title : "Students' First Language Interference in Speaking
English (A Case Study of English Education Students in
Jambi)"

The purpose of this study is to describe the different types of first-language
interference experienced by sixth-semester English Education students at UIN
Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi, as well as to identify the most common type of
interference in their English-speaking performance. The study focuses on how
students speak during classroom presentations and discussions. The data were
collected using a descriptive qualitative method, which included observation and
interviews. The findings show that the most common types of first language
interference are phonological and lexical. Phonological interference is visible in
pronunciation errors, particularly with English sounds that are not present in the
students' native languages. Lexical interference occurs when students use
Indonesian or regional words in English sentences because of a limited vocabulary.
The main causes of interference are a lack of vocabulary, limited exposure to the
target language, and the habitual use of the first language in everyday
communication, including academic settings. This study is expected to help
educators develop strategies for reducing language interference and improving
students' English-speaking skills.
Keywords: First Language, Interference, and Speaking