Autonomy in second language phonology: Choice vs. limits

Abstract

Learning a new sound system poses challenges of a social, psychological, and cognitive nature, but the learner's decisions are key to ultimate attainment. This presentation focuses on two essential concepts: choice, or how one wants to sound in the target language; and limits, or various challenges to one's goals vis-À-vis accent. Qualitative and quantitative data underscore the relevance of autonomy as a guiding principle from which to explore related constructs such as self-determination, motivation, decision-making and self-concept. I also review several prominent limits on phonological attainment to counterbalance and contextualize the aspect of choice. Suggestions are given for both teaching and research that prioritize autonomy with reference to a complexity perspective.