Presentation

A Longitudinal Investigation of Vowel Acquisition

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Abstract

A longitudinal study investigated change in the vowel systems of five adult native Spanish speakers learning English. It focused on 11 vowels of English as uttered in CVC words and in various sentential contexts. Vowel productions from each speaker were measured for the acoustic parameters of F1, F2 and duration. These acoustic parameters were then analyzed via classification matrices of discriminant analysis and compared over time. Findings indicate that the vowels of nonnative speakers change in ways that reflect dialectal and diachronic changes. Specifically, we see instances of split, merger and shift as described by Labov (1994). It is also the case, however, that changes occur that are unique to second language (L2) acquisition. This study provides evidence that the intermediate phonological systems arising during L2 acquisition should be viewed not only in terms of the target but as unique systems of contrasts. It also provides evidence that changes are not necessarily unilateral; movement in one area of the system can affect other areas of the system. These findings are relevant to the way in which we view, teach and assess the pronunciation of an L2 vowel system.

How to Cite:

Gulinello, F., (2009) “A Longitudinal Investigation of Vowel Acquisition”, Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Proceedings 1(1).