Syllable structure affects second-language spoken word recognition and production

Abstract

In this study, we show that second-language (L2) spoken-word recognition is greatly influenced by syllable-structure differences between the native language (L1) and the second language (L2), and that L2 word-recognition accuracy is a reliable predictor of L2 word-production accuracy. Spanish-speaking English learners (experimental group) completed a listening task in which they monitored /(ǝ)s+Consonant/-initial (henceforth, /(ǝ)sC/-initial) words in English. Proficiency-matched German-speaking English learners (L2 control group) and native English listeners (L1 control group) completed the same word-monitoring task. The Spanish group also produced the corresponding /(ǝ)sC/-initial words. The results show a clear effect of L1 on L2 learners’ word recognition, with the German group outperforming the Spanish group. For Spanish speakers, a significant positive relationship between word recognition and word production was also observed. These results indicate that L1-L2 syllable-structure differences have pervasive consequences for spoken-word recognition, and L2 word production difficulties may be closely tied to L2 word recognition difficulties.