Computer-aided L2 prosody acquisition and its potential in second language learning

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Word formation processes frequently lead to systematic interactions between morphology and prosody (e.g., stress or speech melody). In this manner, the prosody on a word stem often changes when endings are added – either through inflection, derivation, or compounding. Native speakers exploit this relation between prosody and morphology during speech perception. On the one hand, they can use the prosodic features to predict morphological endings. On the other, they can use the features to distinguish words in cases where morphophonological alternations have produced minimal pairs. These lexically distinctive and the morphologically predictive functions of prosody are important processes that facilitate native speech processing. Unlike native speakers, second language (L2) learners struggle with prosody in non-native languages, especially when the L2 prosody differs from that of the native language. Yet, good command of non-native prosody has the potential to make L2 speech processing more efficient and aid morphology acquisition. In recent years, computer-assisted language training has become popular. Drawing on behavioural, neurophysiological, and production data, this article highlights the benefits of computer-aided training in the automatisation of otherwise poorly perceived and understood L2 prosody contrasts and points at critical future directions for L2 teaching and research.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)157-182
Number of pages26
JournalASLA:s skriftserie
Volume30
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023 Oct 25

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • General Language Studies and Linguistics

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