Abstract:

Interlocutors' ability to understand nonnative, accented speech can play a crucial role in fostering smooth interaction in today's world of intense global communication. In the modern business world people from different countries communicate globally, whether in person or online, majority of them do not apply pure British or American English, as most of them are of different nationalities that encompasses accented or non-native speech. Interlocutors are more likely to perceive and comprehend nonnative speakers accurately if they have experience listening to them. They might be better able to bridge any comprehension gaps since they are more accustomed to the speech rhythms and pronunciation patterns of nonnative accents.

The work has shown that the interlocutors’ familiarity with nonnative speech, can amplify listening comprehension skills, especially for BE (business English) and ME (Maritime English) students who are actively involved in global communication after graduating and immersing themselves in the working world. The work observed two groups of students with the same English level. G1 was provided with only American and British English listening tasks while G2 dealt with various nonnative speeches besides the native ones. The results of the survey gave us new insights and made the necessity of curriculum modification evident.
Questionnaire was also complied and carried out through the google forms platform with postgraduate students of BE and ME to find out the real challenges in terms of global communication.

The work shows the advantages of implementing VCL (Virtual Collaborative Learning) in ESP classes in terms of non-native speech perception and ICC (Intercultural Communicative Competence) development. It shows the necessity of exposing students of EFL/ESP/ME classes to non-native accented speech to reduce listening effort and improve the facility for efficient global communication, especially for Maritime English students.

Keywords:

Global communication, interlocutors, non-native, accented speeches, VCL, ESP, BE, ME.