Speaking out loud

Presentation Type

Abstract

Faculty Advisor

Larissa Goulart da Silva

Access Type

Event

Start Date

25-4-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

25-4-2025 9:59 AM

Description

This literature review examined the perception of second language (L2) sounds that lack equivalents in learners' first languages (L1), highlighting its significance in applied linguistics. The analysis focused on key themes such as phonetic assimilation, phonotactic knowledge, and the influence of language experience on sound perception. Our analysis synthesized findings from 19 studies in both English and Brazilian Portuguese to create a comprehensive literature review, with special focus on phonetic assimilation and phonetic interference to reveal new observations about language interaction between the two languages. Research indicated L2 learners often map unfamiliar sounds onto existing L1 phonetic categories, leading to misperceptions and production errors. Research indicated that phonotactic knowledge plays a crucial role in learners' ability to perceive and produce L2 sounds, particularly when encountering sound combinations that are illegal in their L1. Furthermore, extensive language experience was found to enhance learners' discrimination of non-native sounds, underscoring the importance of targeted phonetic training in language curricula.

Comments

Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.

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Apr 25th, 9:00 AM Apr 25th, 9:59 AM

Speaking out loud

This literature review examined the perception of second language (L2) sounds that lack equivalents in learners' first languages (L1), highlighting its significance in applied linguistics. The analysis focused on key themes such as phonetic assimilation, phonotactic knowledge, and the influence of language experience on sound perception. Our analysis synthesized findings from 19 studies in both English and Brazilian Portuguese to create a comprehensive literature review, with special focus on phonetic assimilation and phonetic interference to reveal new observations about language interaction between the two languages. Research indicated L2 learners often map unfamiliar sounds onto existing L1 phonetic categories, leading to misperceptions and production errors. Research indicated that phonotactic knowledge plays a crucial role in learners' ability to perceive and produce L2 sounds, particularly when encountering sound combinations that are illegal in their L1. Furthermore, extensive language experience was found to enhance learners' discrimination of non-native sounds, underscoring the importance of targeted phonetic training in language curricula.