Native Language and Second Language Convergence and Second Language Instruction Shape Speech-Language Performance in...

Area of Science:

• Psycholinguistics
• Second Language Acquisition
• Speech Science

Background:

• Understanding how native language (L1) skills influence second language (L2) acquisition is crucial for effective pedagogy.
• Adult L2 learners' proficiency is shaped by various factors, including L1-L2 skill convergence and instructional intensity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the convergence of underlying skills between L1 and L2 in adult learners.
• To determine the impact of instructional L2 level on L2 attainment across speech motor, lexical, and narrative domains.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-four adult Spanish L2 learners were assessed on their L1 (English) and L2 (Spanish) skills.
• Skills were evaluated at speech motor, lexical, and narrative levels.
• Regression analyses examined L1-L2 convergence and Spanish instruction level as predictors of L2 attainment.

Main Results:

• L1-L2 convergence was observed in some speech motor (e.g., distance, speed) and lexical skills.
• Convergence was limited for other speech motor skills (e.g., duration) and narrative measures.
• Lexical and narrative skills, but not speech motor skills, improved with increased L2 instruction.

Conclusions:

• Both L1-L2 convergence and instructional level are significant predictors of L2 performance in adults.
• The influence of these factors varies across different linguistic levels (speech motor, lexical, narrative).
• Further research is needed to explore these "all-system" interactions across processing and proficiency levels.