Tracking L2 English Vowel Perception and Production Among Graduate Professionals Over 18 Months

Area of Science:

• Second Language Acquisition
• Phonetics and Phonology
• Sociolinguistics

Background:

• Investigating English vowel changes in advanced second-language (L2) learners.
• Focus on diverse first-language (L1) backgrounds and the influence of the L2 English-speaking environment.
• Examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on L2 learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze changes in English vowel perception and production over 18 months.
• To assess the effect of the L2 English-speaking environment and pandemic-related disruptions.
• To understand individual learning trajectories in advanced L2 learners.

Main Methods:

• Bayesian mixed-effects models were used for analysis.
• Vowel identification accuracy was measured using a perception oddity task.
• Vowel production (intelligibility) accuracy was assessed via listener-based ratings at multiple time points (1, 3, 6, 18 months).

Main Results:

• Participants showed high initial accuracy in L2 vowel identification, with improvements for most contrasts within 6 months.
• Vowel intelligibility showed minimal improvement, with only one contrast increasing in accuracy by 18 months.
• Significant individual variability was observed in both perception and production trajectories.

Conclusions:

• Advanced L2 learners adapt their vowel perception relatively quickly in an English-speaking environment.
• Vowel production (intelligibility) is more resistant to change, even with extended exposure.
• The COVID-19 pandemic introduced complexities, but individual learning paths remain a key factor in L2 phonological development.