LINGUISTIC CHALLENGES IN LANGUAGE LEARNING: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LEARNING AZERBAIJANI AND ENGLISH

Authors

  • Zumrud Babazada Specialist, Foundation Program, Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning, School of Education, ADA University, Azerbaijan orcid.org/0009-0009-9707-8632
  • Oluwaseyi Olubunmi Sodiya Adjunct Instructor Action Research in Education, School of Education, ADA University, Azerbaijan Doctor of Philosophy in Organisation and Planning of Education, Faculty of Natural Science, Arts and Technology of Higher Education, Khazar University Baku, Azerbaijan orcid.org/0000-0002-0152-723X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejals.v8i3.634

Keywords:

language learning, Linguistic challenges, foreign language, Azerbaijani linguistics, action research, comparative analysis

Abstract

This empirical study examines the linguistic challenges encountered by two sets of learners: Azerbaijani students acquiring English and overseas students acquiring Azerbaijani. A mixed-methods strategy was employed to collect quantitative data through survey from forty individuals (n=40). The Azerbaijan language group (n=20) and the English language group (n=20) had similar challenges in grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and writing. Qualitative insights were derived from interviews with two language instructors, emphasizing concerns regarding pedagogical approaches, classroom social dynamics, and educator viewpoints. The research is based on Social Constructivism and Interlanguage Theory, which directed the analysis and shaped recommendations for addressing these difficulties. 

Author Biographies

  • Zumrud Babazada, Specialist, Foundation Program, Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning, School of Education, ADA University, Azerbaijan orcid.org/0009-0009-9707-8632

    Zumrud Babazada is currently an Educational Specialist in the Foundation Program at the ADA University. She is skilful at education management, leadership, curriculum design, teaching methodologies in foreign language teaching, and research. She has taught English as a foreign language to both international and Azerbaijani learners for 3 years before switching to an education management position at the University. She holds a bachelor's degree in Foreign Language Teaching (English) from the Azerbaijani University of Languages and a master's degree in Teaching and Learning at ADA University. During her academic journey, she obtained a strong background in language teaching, learners' needs, motivation, learning styles, assessment, research, data analysis process and its tools, etc. Zumrud is passionate about contributing to the education field for the future generation through both effective teaching practices and research, as she is engaged with the academic field closely by being a specialist within the university foundation program, actively working with faculty, staff, and students. Her academic interests include learner motivation, teaching methods, student psychology, educational technologies, social media influence, etc. She has also conducted qualitative research titled "The Influence of TikTok on Undergraduate Students' Academic Performances and Self-Esteem in Azerbaijan". The research has not been published yet. Although she does not have any published papers/articles, she actively participates in educational conferences and workshops regarding research. She attended "The 8th International Education Conference: Beyond Schooling: Education for a Rapidly Changing World" at ADA University as a research presenter and presented her research about the influence of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, on students' academic achievements in June, 2025.

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/zumrud-babazade-664baa344

    ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Zumrud-Babazada

  • Oluwaseyi Olubunmi Sodiya, Adjunct Instructor Action Research in Education, School of Education, ADA University, Azerbaijan Doctor of Philosophy in Organisation and Planning of Education, Faculty of Natural Science, Arts and Technology of Higher Education, Khazar University Baku, Azerbaijan orcid.org/0000-0002-0152-723X

    Oluwaseyi Olubunmi Sodiya is presently the Head of the Department of IB Physical and Health Education at Khazar University Dunya School. He also teaches bachelor's students at Khazar University's Department of English Language and Literature, as well as an adjunct instructor of action research in education at the school of education, ADA University. Additionally, he has published studies in other scientific journals. He possesses extensive education and expertise in physical and health education, English language teaching, school leadership, teacher development, curriculum design, assessments, research, and data analysis. He holds a bachelor's degree in teaching English as a second language from the University of Malaya and a master's degree in physical and health education from the same Malaysian university. He also has a master's degree in educational management from ADA University in Azerbaijan and is currently pursuing a PhD in Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Organisation and Planning at the Faculty of Natural Science, Arts, and Technology of Higher Education, Khazar University, Baku, Azerbaijan. He is dedicated to developing the next generation of well-rounded individuals by encouraging students to lead active and healthy lifestyles. Through his research and teaching, he hopes to inspire and educate others on the importance of both physical and mental health. His extensive engagement in community outreach activities and seminars demonstrates his commitment to education and the betterment of society. He is a firm believer in the power of education to transform lives, and he is constantly working to innovate and improve his teaching skills. In addition to his academic pursuits, he enjoys participating in a variety of sports and outdoor activities, setting a good example by living a well-rounded and health-conscious lifestyle. His strong dedication to his students and enthusiasm for his job make him a valued asset to the academic community. Sodiya's research interests focus on teacher development, workplace professional development for teachers, and the implementation of effective teaching approaches. Implementing the IB curriculum, implementing instructional leadership methods, promoting youth and sports development, language learning and researching educational policy analysis.

    LinkedIn: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Oluwaseyi-Sodiya?ev=hdr_xprf

    ResearchGate:https://www.linkedin.com/in/oluwaseyi-olubunmi-sodiya-7b949544/

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Published

2025-08-11

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Articles

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