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Factors affecting strength of perceived foreign accent in a second language
J E Flege1, M J Munro, I R MacKay
1Department of Biocommunication, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294, USA.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|May 1, 1995
Summary
The age of learning English significantly impacts foreign accent development. Early learning (before 15) is crucial for native-like pronunciation, with age of learning accounting for most accent variations.
Area of Science:
- Second language acquisition
- Phonetics and phonology
- Sociolinguistics
Background:
- The critical period hypothesis suggests a sensitive period for language acquisition.
- Understanding the relationship between age of learning (AOL) and foreign accent is vital for language pedagogy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between the age of learning English and the perceived foreign accent in native Italian speakers.
- To determine the extent to which AOL predicts foreign accent severity.
Main Methods:
- 240 native Italian (NI) subjects learning English in Canada were assessed.
- Native English listeners rated the foreign accent in NI subjects' spoken English sentences.
- Multiple regression analyses examined the influence of AOL, language use, and gender on accent ratings.
Main Results:
- Age of learning (AOL) accounted for a significant 59% of the variance in foreign accent ratings.
- Foreign accents were observed even in learners who started long before the traditional critical period end.
- Learners starting after 15 years old rarely achieved native-like pronunciation.
Conclusions:
- AOL is a primary determinant of foreign accent in English.
- While language use and gender also play roles, early exposure is paramount for accent reduction.
- Findings support the continued relevance of early intervention in language learning programs.