The influence of second language learning on speech production by Greek/English bilinguals

Abstract

This study examined 20 Greek/English bilinguals, living in the Vancouver area, Canada. The duration of aspiration for the three voiceless stops (/p/, /t/, /k/) and for the following vowel for a series of Greek and English stimuli were analyzed. Factors such as the Age of Arrival (AOA), Age of Learning (AOL), Length of Residence (LOR), everyday use of Greek and English and self-estimated proficiency in both languages were taken into consideration. A number of English sentences produced by the same speakers were also collected and rated for accentedness by native speakers of English. The degree of accent of the bilingual subjects were also examined along with the data collected. The main focus of the study is to see how the interaction of first language (L1) and second language (L2), if any, is observed concerning VOT (voice onset time) and following vowel duration.