LULU Publications International Journal of Education & Language Studies 2767-4851 Articles in Press 2025 05 29 Navigating Pronunciation Hurdles: An Analysis of EFL Students’ Challenges 45 57 221998 10.22034/ijels.2025.487015.1028 EN Mohammad Rafi Rafhat English language and literature department, Herat University Journal Article 2024 11 04 Pronunciation is one of the most challenging yet essential skills for English language learners to master. A central debate in pronunciation instruction is whether learners should prioritize intelligibility or aim for native-like proficiency. This study investigated the pronunciation difficulties encountered by EFL learners and explored effective strategies to improve their pronunciation for clearer communication. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the researcher collected data through a 32-item questionnaire administered to 50 students at a private language academy in Herat, Afghanistan. Additionally, five participants were randomly selected for in-depth interviews to further examine pronunciation challenges and coping strategies. The findings indicated that while learners employ various pronunciation strategies such as using online resources, applications, and  so forth, their overall proficiency remains moderate, with persistent difficulties in certain aspects of pronunciation, particularly with English interdental fricatives (/θ/ and /ð/). The study concluded with practical recommendations for EFL students and educators to enhance pronunciation instruction and communicative competence. https://www.ijels.net/article_221998_379af530447a8503476888436d4b23bd.pdf