A Critical Period for Learning to Pronounce Foreign Languages

doi:10.1093/APPLIN/8.2.162

Paper

A Critical Period for Learning to Pronounce Foreign Languages

Published Jul 1, 1987 · J. Flege

Applied Linguistics

Q1 SJR score

259

Citations

34

Influential Citations

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Abstract

This article discusses the Critical Period Hypothesis (CPH) as it relates to the naturalistic acquisition of foreign-language (L2) pronunciation by adults and children. An examination of the existing empirical and theoretical literature leads to the conclusion that there is no conclusive support for the existence of a critical period for human speech learning, and that assuming a critical period does exist may inhibit the search for testable hypotheses concerning the basis for observed adult-child differences in L2 pronunciation. These conclusions are based on the existence of direct coullter-evidence, as well as on the observation that apparent adult-child performance differences may arise from many different confounding factors other than adult-child differences in neurological maturation or organization that cannot be adequately controlled in behavioral research.

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Study Snapshot

Key takeawayThere is no conclusive support for a critical period for human speech learning, and adult-child differences in foreign-language pronunciation may stem from various confounding factors.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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Paper

A Critical Period for Learning to Pronounce Foreign Languages

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References

The development of skill in producing word-final English stops.

English adults learned to enlarge the supraglottal cavity to sustain voicing in /b/, while native Chinese adults and children did not yet acquire this skill.

Linguistic and Developmental Effects on the Production and Perception of Stop Consonants

Older native English and Spanish speakers produce and perceive /t/ with longer VOT values than younger native speakers, suggesting auditory processing changes with age.

The detection of French accent by American listeners.

American listeners can accurately detect French accent (63%-95% of the time) in English speech, regardless of the length of the speech samples presented.

Limits on phonetic accuracy in foreign language speech production

American English speakers produce /tu/ and /ty/ more accurately than French speakers, but have difficulty distinguishing /u/ from /y/.

THE TOTAL PHYSICAL RESPONSE: THEORY AND PRACTICE

This approach allows students to learn phonology and morphology of a target language without stress, and then incorporate abstractions, vocabulary items, and idioms.

SOCIAL CONSTRAINTS ON ADULT LANGUAGE LEARNING

Language learning in adults is influenced by factors such as social distance, cultural differences, and language proficiency.

INPUT CONSIDERATIONS IN THE COMPREHENSION OF FIRST AND SECOND LANGUAGE *

Adults initially excel in second-language acquisition, but children eventually surpass them, highlighting the importance of considering input factors in adult language learning.

PHONOLOGICAL UNIVERSALS IN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION *

To better understand human language, we need to recognize universals and general patterns in phonology and language acquisition, while also recognizing the complexity of human language and its development.

The Phonological Basis of Foreign Accent: A Hypothesis.

Foreign accent may persist due to stable phonological representations in the native language, rather than age-related differences in phonetic learning ability.

Citations

Exploring Perspectives and Reform Dynamics

Early English language instruction in Tunisian elementary schools is crucial for students' exposure and success, but the Ministry of Education has not yet implemented significant changes.

The Construction of Reality in an AI: A Review

Constructivist AI, inspired by Jean Piaget, enables agents to acquire, maintain, and apply a deep understanding of the environment through sensorimotor interactions, promoting lifelong learning by machines.

Acoustic Analysis of Voicing Contrast in Malay Word-Initial Plosives Produced by Mandarin-Speaking Children

Mandarin-speaking children acquire adult-like voicing contrast in Malay word-initial plosives, with motor development and cross-linguistic exposure influencing productions.

Production of the English “sh” by L2 Thai Learners: An Acoustic Study

L2 Thai learners with higher experience produce a more distinct English "sh" sound than those with lower experience, suggesting that L2 experience supports speech production and vowel context plays a role in peak location and duration.

On the Significance of the Age Factor in Language Attainment: A Synthesis and Novel Evidence from Morocco

Young language learners tend to surpass older classmates in English language attainment, particularly in reading skills.

influence of age of acquisition, language proficiency and language use on Singapore English consonant perception

Age of acquisition significantly influences consonant perception in Singapore English, while language proficiency and use do not significantly impact it.

MAPPING RESEARCH ON L2 PRONUNCIATION

L2 pronunciation research has significant themes and trends, with influential authors, documents, and publication sources, providing valuable insights for future research and practice.