Perceptual Training Effects on the Perception and Production of L2 English Vowels by L1 Greek-Cypriot Learners

Abstract

Segmental perception and production pose considerable difficulties for L2 learners as an effect of the influence of the L1. High Variability Phonetic Training (HVPT) has been proposed as a way to provide naturalistic exposure to L2 learners in order to facilitate the formation of L2 phonetic categories. This study examined the effects of HVPT on Greek-Cypriot learners’ perception and production of L2 English contrastive vowels. Participants’ perceptual and production performance was assessed before and after exposure to 11 English vowels over 8 training sessions. The HVPT paradigm used was effective in improving perceptual performance, which reflected durational results in production, with nativelike tendencies in /i:/-/ɪ/ and /u:/-/ʊ/, and difficulties in /ɒ/-/ɔ:/, /ɑ:/-/æ/-/ʌ/ and /e/-/ɜ:/. This alignment was not extended to spectral characteristics in learners’ productions: /ʊ/, /u:/, /ɑ:/ and /i:/ were the least nativelike, while /ɒ/, /ɔ:/ and /æ/ were the most nativelike. These results are not entirely consistent with previous studies, especially in the case of /e/-/ɜ:/, most likely due to methodological differences, especially in relation to tasks, groups of participants and sample size. However, they are promising, as they suggest that improvement is possible if enriched training paradigms are used.