According to
Phillipson (1996), a nonnative speaker, through effective training, can acquire most of the
other elements that define the concept of a native speaker. However, Medgyes (1992)
points out that many aspects of linguistic competence do pose tremendous challenges for
nonnative speakers. Among the aspects of linguistic competence, accent seems to be a hurdle that is most difficult, if not impossible, to overcome (Scovel, 1969, 1988).
Coulmas (1981) asserts that the ability to produce natural pronunciation and perfect
grammar are other areas of linguistic competence which are extremely difficult for
nonnative speakers. Furthermore, target cultural competence