ERIC Number: EJ1212764
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Mar
Pages: 35
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0272-2631
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Learning Direction Matters: A Study on L2 Rhythm Acquisition by Dutch Learners of Spanish and Spanish Learners of Dutch
van Maastricht, Lieke; Krahmer, Emiel; Swerts, Marc; Prieto, Pilar
Studies in Second Language Acquisition, v41 n1 p87-121 Mar 2019
This study examines the acquisition process of speech rhythm in Dutch learners of Spanish (DLS) and Spanish learners of Dutch (SLD) at different proficiency levels to determine whether learning direction affects the success of rhythm acquisition in a foreign language (L2). Analyses of lengthening effects showed that the two learner groups followed different developmental paths in their acquisition of accentual and final lengthening: Both groups showed transfer effects from the L1, but while the DLS systematically approached their target until attainment, the SLD showed more variability in their development. In addition, syllable structure complexity affected L2 rhythm acquisition, and to a substantially larger extent for the SLD compared to the DLS. The results support a model of L2 rhythm acquisition in which learning direction is included as a factor, and that allows for the interaction of various language-specific properties that contribute to speech rhythm, like syllable structure complexity.
Descriptors: Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Spanish, Language Rhythm, Indo European Languages, Native Language, Speech Communication, Language Proficiency, Pronunciation, Syllables, Transfer of Training, Language Classification, Contrastive Linguistics, College Students, Foreign Countries, Intonation
Cambridge University Press. 100 Brook Hill Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994. Tel: 800-872-7423; Tel: 845-353-7500; Fax: 845-353-4141; e-mail: subscriptions_newyork@cambridge.org; Web site: https://journals.cambridge.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Netherlands; Spain (Barcelona); Spain (Madrid)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A