Acquisition of speech rhythm in a second language by learners with rhythmically different native languages

Area of Science:

• Phonetics and Phonology
• Second Language Acquisition (SLA)
• Linguistic Rhythm

Background:

• Speech rhythm is a key feature of spoken language, influencing intelligibility and nativelike fluency.
• Understanding the development of speech rhythm in second language (L2) acquisition is crucial for effective language pedagogy.
• Previous research has explored L2 rhythm, but developmental trajectories and cross-linguistic influences require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the developmental trajectory of speech rhythm in L2 English acquisition.
• To examine differences in durational variability between proficiency levels in L2 English learners.
• To compare the rhythm development of French and German learners of L2 English.

Main Methods:

• Speech rhythm was quantified using interval-based rhythm metrics focusing on durational variability.
• The study analyzed L2 English speech samples from French and German learners across different proficiency levels.
• Durational variability was compared between learner groups and with native British English speakers.

Main Results:

• Durational variability, a measure of speech rhythm, significantly increased with higher L2 English proficiency for both French and German learners.
• L2 English rhythm development showed a shift from syllable-timed towards stress-timed patterns, regardless of the native language's rhythmic type.
• German learners achieved durational variability comparable to native speakers, whereas advanced French learners exhibited lower variability.

Conclusions:

• Speech rhythm in L2 English acquisition evolves towards more stress-timed patterns as learners advance in proficiency.
• While the general developmental trend is consistent, native language background influences the attainment of target-like rhythm.
• The findings suggest that explicit attention to rhythm may benefit L2 learners, particularly those whose native language differs significantly in rhythmic properties.