Systematic differences in consonant sounds between the interlanguage phonology of a Brazilian Portuguese learner of English and standard American English

Abstract

This study surveys the interlanguage phonology of a Brazilian learner of English who has primarily learned English in a naturalistic environment. The phonological analysis of her speech shows that native language transfer is a strong source of pronunciation difficulties, constraints, and deviations. However, other factors seem to play a relevant role in this learner's interlanguage, such as sounds that are universally considered difficult to acquire. Interestingly, some of the phonological strategies applied by the participant are not unique to an interlanguage but are also applied by native speakers. Considerations about possible miscommunication are addressed.