The L2 Perception and Production of English Vowels by L1 Greek-Cypriot Speakers

Abstract

Previous research shows that acquiring L2 segments is one of the most challenging tasks L2 learners face, particularly when the L1 and L2 inventories involve different contrasts and acoustic cues. The present research investigated the perception and production of L2 English vowels by adult Greek-Cypriot learners and examined the effects of High Variability Phonetic Training (HVPT) on their perceptual and production performance, as well as learners’ ability to generalise new knowledge to new speakers and contexts and retain any improvement two months later. Individual differences in motivation, input and language use patterns were also assessed. The HVPT protocol followed included 8 training sessions with 330 natural and synthetic stimuli each, involving both real and non-words. Perceptual performance was assessed through a forced-choice identification task and production performance through a wordlist-reading and an elicited imitation task, both analysed acoustically and through intelligibility ratings by native English speakers. Individual factors were assessed using a questionnaire complemented by qualitative, semi-structured interviews. The findings clearly showed the influence of the L1 on both the perception and production of L2 segments, supporting the assumptions of current models of speech perception and production. Learners faced challenges in perceiving the members of L2 contrasts and mostly used their L1 articulatory routines in their productions of L2 vowels. The HVPT protocol followed was found to be insufficient to lead to significant improvements in overall perceptual or production performance, although some improvements were observed in either perceiving or producing some target vowels. Individual learner differences had a significant effect on participants’ performance suggesting that they merit more attention than they currently receive. This study was the first to provide an in-depth examination of the acquisition of L2 English vowels by Greek-Cypriot learners and the factors that may affect their performance, thereby guiding future research as well as EFL practitioners.