English language vocabulary attrition among Sudanese pupils

Abstract

This descriptive and analytical study aims at investigating the phenomenon of English language vocabulary
attrition among Sudanese basic school pupils; at Omdurman locality, Sudan. It focuses on the magnitude and
factors contributing in this phenomenon. To achieve its aims and objectives, an English test (consists of three
items distributed on 15 questions) was conducted on 20 randomly chosen basic schools at Omdurman locality;
to 800 pupils. It is found that Sudanese basic school pupils experience English vocabulary attrition which affects
their language skills; with varying degrees. Among the reasons are: gender, time span, pupils' attitudes towards
English language, teachers’ performance inside the class room, and parents' level of education. The study
recommends that there should a variety of techniques of teaching vocabulary that encourage the pupils to use
English inside and outside the classrooms.