Production of English connected speech processes: an assessment of Cantonese ESL learners’ difficulties obtaining native-like speech

Simpson W. L. Wong*, Jessica Dealey, Vina W. H. Leung, Peggy P. K. Mok

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Despite English being a core and compulsory part of the curriculum for Chinese English-as-a-second-language (ESL) learners, it is nevertheless often highly challenging for them. This is partly due to the discrepancies between English’s citation and spoken form and the lack of recognition this pronunciation receives within ESL classrooms. With this in mind, the current study focuses on a highly significant, yet understudied, feature of fluent English speech: connected speech phonological processes (CSPPs). Through analysing the oral recordings of 60 Cantonese ESL university students, the foundation of non-native-like English CSPP productions is examined. Results of error analysis highlight the multitude of interrelated sources of non-native-like productions and provide support for previously stipulated causes of non-native-likeness, e.g. L1/L2 phoneme inventory gaps, as well as previously unidentified influences, e.g. hypercorrection. The study presents invaluable data and implications regarding the successful assessment, teaching, and learning, of English CSPPs and ultimately fluent connected English speech. (151 words)


Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)581-596
Number of pages16
JournalLanguage Learning Journal
Volume49
Issue number5
Early online date28 Jul 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Sept 2021

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Language and Linguistics
  • Education
  • Linguistics and Language

User-Defined Keywords

  • Chinese learners of English as a second language
  • connected speech
  • English reduced forms
  • error analysis
  • pronunciation

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