Effects of the Use of Ultrasound in Production Training on the Perception of English /r/ and /l/ by Native Japanese Speakers
Date
2013-10-02
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Abstract
Speech sound contrasts in second languages can be difficult for adult language learners to perceive. Numerous studies have been conducted to examine which training methods can improve perception of non-native sound contrasts. This study investigates whether production training using ultrasound as visual feedback leads to improved production and perception of non-native sound contrasts. To this end, Japanese learners of English who were beginning ESL students were trained to accurately produce English /r/ and /l/. During the training, learners were shown ultrasound images. Before and after the training, they underwent perception tests to identify whether or not the production training was successful. Results showed that the production of /l/ potentially improved. However, this did not lead to improved perception of the phoneme. Moreover, the learners’ improvements varied in degree and modality. Thus, the results indicate that perception and production undergo a different developmental course with considerable individual variation.
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Keywords
Speech Communication, Linguistics, Cognitive
Citation
Tateishi, M. (2013). Effects of the Use of Ultrasound in Production Training on the Perception of English /r/ and /l/ by Native Japanese Speakers (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/25835