Abstract:
Learning a foreign language requires mastering its four main skills, including reading,
listening, writing and speaking. This latter involves pronunciation, which is a language aspect
that is often regarded as a hurdle by many EFL learners. Having a correct pronunciation is
considered crucial that is why many foreign language learners want to acquire it and improve
it as much as possible. However, only a few teaching programs are included to target this
skills. In light of this, the current thesis aims to explore first-year EFL learners' perceptions
towards the use of English podcasts in the purpose of enhancing their pronunciation since it
involves exposure to native speakers. In order to accomplish this goal, this study follows a
non-experimental design, implemented with 60 first-year BA students of English as Foreign
Language at the University of Bejaia. Moreover, it employs a mixed method, which bases on
both quantitative and qualitative tools for the data collection; the study method employs a
students' questionnaire as a quantitative research tool; while, it uses an online interview
posted for teachers of English at the same university to investigate their perspectives
concerning the issue under study. The findings disclosed positive attitudes of the participants
regarding the implementation of this new material to enhance EFL students' pronunciation
because it can be practical, enjoyable and interesting while creating opportunities to listen to
native speakers in the educational field. The teachers' perceptions also were positive as the
data revealed. The study entails some suggestion for an advantageous use of podcast in EFL classrooms.
