High variability perceptual training in second language learning of Mandarin consonants

Mandarin and Korean sound systems contain similar place and manner categories, but differ in how they combine parameters to contrasts consonants such as sibilants. These phonological and phonetic (dis)similarity may present challenges to Korean speakers when learning Mandarin.
This study examined effects of the High Variability Perceptual Training (HVPT) on improving Korean learners’ perceptual learning of Mandarin coronal sibilants. We designed identification tasks for inexperienced and advanced adult Korean learners of Mandarin who were
recruited for short-term auditory training. In the posttest after training, they all improved significantly in their accurate identification of Mandarin sibilants. Training effects were also confirmed in their satisfactory performance with novel phonetic inputs and in new tasks such as discrimination.
Our findings prove that Korean speakers of varying degrees of proficiency in Mandarin can all benefit from auditory training. The role of task and input modification in second language (L2) acquisition are also confirmed. HVPT helps direct learners’ attention to critical L2 cues that are not readily noticeable in naturalistic environments. Moreover, our results reveal that effects of identification training can successfully transfer to discrimination. The two perceptual processes are indeed intricately related. Therefore, tolerance to variations within phonetic categories can be improved through sharpening of the sensitivity to cross-category variations.