Presentation

Prosodic Pitfalls When Learning Swedish as a Second Language

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Abstract

To avoid misunderstandings in communication it is important to achieve an intelligible pronunciation, especially when learning a new language. Different factors, such as the phonology and prosody of L1 and L2, often have an influence on a second language learner’s success. In Swedish it is, in particular, the fronted rounded vowels, heavy consonant clusters and the unfamiliar prosodic structure that cause problems for second language learners regardless of their native language. This paper will focus on two important prosodic features, namely vowel quantity and word stress. Recordings of Swedish language learners with different native languages have been analyzed. Even though many of them have lived in Sweden for more than 20 years they still have problems with vowel quantity and word stress. There are individual differences between the speakers, but it is also obvious that their first language might play an important role.

How to Cite:

Zetterholm, E., (2012) “Prosodic Pitfalls When Learning Swedish as a Second Language”, Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Proceedings 4(1).