The acquisition of the English phonological system by Persian speakers

This research focused on the acquisition of the English phonological system by adult Persian speakers who are learning English as a foreign language in Tehran, Iran. In order to evaluate students' pronunciation strengths and weaknesses in three levels of proficiency (beginning, intermediate, and advanced), students completed a pronunciation diagnostic test that was designed based on their proficiency level. EFL teachers also participated in this study, and their perceptions on student's pronunciation were recorded and analyzed. A mixed method was used in this study in order to analyze the data gathered from the teachers and students. This thesis reveals the pronunciation errors of students based on their proficiency level and shows how other factors such as teachers' attitudes, false cognates, and readiness can affect students' pronunciation.