Exploring Factors Contributing to Speech Delay and the Use of Effective Strategies in An Indonesian Adolescent EFL Learner: A Case Study

Abstract

This qualitative case study explores the factors that influence speech delay and selective communicative engagement in a 13-year-old Indonesian teenager who is learning English as a foreign language (EFL). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and naturalistic observations, then analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2019) thematic analysis. Findings indicate that emotional anxiety, limited parental interaction, and minimal social exposure significantly affect the participant's verbal fluency and self-confidence. Despite these challenges, the adolescent demonstrated adaptive strategies such as interest-based discussions, independent speaking practice, and selective interaction with patient conversation partners. These strategies align with Krashen's Affective Filter Hypothesis and the Oxford Social-Affective Strategy Theory, highlighting the vital role of emotional comfort and motivation in supporting language development. This study contributes to understanding how affective and environmental factors interact in adolescent speech delays and emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and interest-driven learning environment in the context of learning English as a foreign language (EFL)