Innovation in Language Learning

Dialect variation can constitute an important yet unexamined area of positive transfer in EFL phonological acquisition. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is generally regarded as the formal linguistic variety used by Arab learners; however, Iraqi Arabic Dialect (IAD) demonstrates several phonological and prosodic features that bear greater similarities to that of English, potentially influencing EFL phonological acquisition. The current study conducts a comparative analysis between IAD and MSA to examine dialectal contributions to English phonological acquisition. The study adopts a qualitative comparative-analytical approach based on the framework of transfer theory and phonological typology. Particular attention is given to consonant cluster formation, segmental phonology, connected speech phenomena, and suprasegmental features. The analysis indicates that IAD demonstrates a higher degree of correspondence with English phonotactic and prosodic patterns than MSA. Such compatibility may reduce the articulatory and cognitive load associated with English pronunciation learning. This, in turn, facilitates more fluent and intelligible production in specific phonological contexts. The findings suggest that dialectal features, traditionally viewed as deviation from the standard language, can function as valuable linguistic resources in L2. Accordingly, the study contributes to ongoing discussion on positive transfer and the pedagogical role of dialectal variation in English language learning.