ERIC Number: EJ1214965
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Jun
Pages: 39
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0023-8333
EISSN: N/A
Feature Acquisition in Second Language Phonetic Development: Evidence from Phonetic Training
Olson, Daniel J.
Language Learning, v69 n2 p366-404 Jun 2019
This study employed a targeted phonetic instruction to explore the mechanisms that underpin second language (L2) phonetic acquisition. Broadly, two general approaches to phonetic acquisition have been previously proposed. A segmental approach suggests that learners acquire a series of individual, discrete phonemes (e.g., Flege, 1995), while a featural approach posits that L2 phonetic development occurs at the subsegmental level of the feature, which may be shared across multiple phonemes (e.g., de Jong, Hao, & Park, 2009). This study extended this line of research, using a visual feedback paradigm to train English speakers on one of the three voiceless stop consonants in Spanish. Analysis focused on the change in voice onset time across three testing sessions (pretest, posttest, delayed posttest). Results demonstrated a significant change in voice onset time for trained and nontrained phonemes, suggesting that featural changes generalize to related phonemes. Theoretical and pedagogical implications are discussed.
Descriptors: Phonetics, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Teaching Methods, Phonemes, English, Native Language, Feedback (Response), Pretests Posttests, Visual Stimuli, Pronunciation Instruction, Language Research
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A