Abstrak
Speaking skills are a crucial aspect of effective communication, both in academic settings and daily life. However, many students-particularly those learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) continue to face challenges in mastering this skill due to various internal and external barriers. This study aims to identify the factors that inhibit the English-speaking skills of second-semester students in the English Education Study Program at Universitas Borneo Tarakan. A qualitative case study approach was employed, with data collected through in-depth interviews with 19 students, supported by questionnaires and classroom observations. The data were analyzed thematically and validated through instrument triangulation. The findings reveal that psychological factors-such as anxiety, fear of making mistakes, lack of self-confidence, and shyness-are the most dominant barriers. Furthermore, linguistic challenges, such as limited vocabulary, grammatical errors, and pronunciation, also contributed. External factors such as an unsupportive environment and limited speaking opportunities also contribute to students' difficulties. Conversely, the use of technology and media was found to have a positive impact on increasing students' motivation and participation in speaking activities. The findings of this study confirm that internal factors need to be addressed first to improve speaking skills.