From Madura to English: Suprasegmental Interference in Language Learning

Abstract

This study aims to identify the Madurese language interference in speaking English focusing on suprasegmental features encompassed intonation, stress, and rhythm. Madura is an island in east Java which the people mostly possess a unique accent of Bahasa Madura. This distinct effect of their mother tongue is evident when they speak another language. Thus, the research sought to understand the specific ways or the pattern the interference manifests.  The research is a descriptive field study which initially relied on an English speech a Madurese distinguished politician, which qualitatively identified the mis-stressing placement, pronunciation, and intonation errors. Afterwards, the same text of the speech was given to 5 Madurese students which possibly made comparative analysis of their speech patterns. The results indicated a prevalent pattern of stress misplacement, particularly in the second syllable, which often occurred in the final and medial positions of words. This finding suggests that the Madurese language significantly impacts intonation and stress placement, particularly at the ends of words, along with mispronunciation influences.