Description
This study examined the development and acquisition of second language (L2) sounds by adult students enrolled in a communicative language program. The investigation explored the acquisition of L2 phones by analyzing the voice onset time (VOT) of word-initial voiceless stops in Spanish by native English speakers. A total of 40 subjects participated in the study and were divided into three groups; one group of students enrolled in a first semester course, another group of students enrolled in a third semester course, and the last group enrolled in a fifth semester course. The duration of VOT was compared between groups reading from a word list consisting of 60 words during the 13th to 15th weeks of the semester. Significant differences in VOT were found between the first and fifth semester groups, as well as the third and fifth semester groups suggesting that accurate acquisition of L2 phones and the formation of new phonetic categories are possible for late L2 learners in accordance with the Speech Learning Model.
Details
Title
- The acquisition of Spanish word-initial voiceless stops: adult language learners in a communicative program
Contributors
- Russell, Nathan (Author)
- Beaudrie, Sara (Thesis advisor)
- Cerron-Palomino, Alvaro (Committee member)
- Gradoville, Michael (Committee member)
- Arizona State University (Publisher)
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)
2018
Subjects
Resource Type
Collections this item is in
Note
- thesisPartial requirement for: M.A., Arizona State University, 2018
- bibliographyIncludes bibliographical references (pages 42-43)
- Field of study: Spanish
Citation and reuse
Statement of Responsibility
by Nathan Russell