CHALLENGES IN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION OF ENGLISH PHONETICS AND PHONOLOGY
Keywords:
Phonetics, Phonology, L2 acquisition, English pronunciation, articulation, phonotactics, phonemic contrastAbstract
This article explores the complexities faced by second language (L2) learners in acquiring English phonetics and phonology. It particularly focuses on the articulation and perception problems due to the absence of certain phonemic contrasts in the learners’ native languages. Examples from Greek, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese speakers illustrate how phonetic and phonological mismatches lead to difficulties in sound production and comprehension. The article also discusses how phonotactic constraints and orthographic inconsistencies of English further hinder accurate pronunciation and fluency. Special attention is given to the problematic 'r' and 'l' sounds, graphemic variations like <ough>, and the impact of phonotactics on word formation. Recommendations are offered for more effective teaching strategies that cater to these cross-linguistic challenges.
References
Roach, P. (2009). English Phonetics and Phonology. Cambridge University Press.
Ladefoged, P., & Johnson, K. (2014). A Course in Phonetics. Cengage Learning.
Crystal, D. (2008). A Dictionary of Linguistics and Phonetics. Blackwell Publishing.
Yavas, M. (2011). Applied English Phonology. Wiley-Blackwell.
Syllabus Relevance
This article aligns with theoretical phonetics topics in the syllabus by addressing key aspects such as phoneme perception, articulatory difficulties, phonological contrasts, and the influence of native language phonotactics on second language pronunciation. It provides practical insights that can support language instruction and curriculum development in phonetics and phonology courses.
