Exposure to English Linguistic Environment and Oral Proficiency of First Year College Students in Davao Del Norte

The study evaluated the oral proficiency of students according to their level of exposure to English linguistic environment. The study further aimed to determine the significant relationship between exposure to English linguistic environment and oral proficiency of first year college students in selected Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in the province of Davao del Norte. The study employed the descriptive - correlation method in investigating the research problems. Using a two-part questionnaire, this study found out that the level of exposure to English linguistic environment of the first year college students is moderate and their level of oral proficiency in terms of comprehension, fluency, grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary is low. Furthermore, there is no significant relationship between English environment and oral proficiency among first year students, and the students' exposures in the context of this study do not significantly influence their oral proficiency.