The effect of previous language experience and ‘proper’ L2 input on the aspiration of English voiceless stops by Polish adult immigrants to London

Abstract

The study explores the effect of language experience (with emphasis on the level of L2 proficiency on arrival in the UK and the quality of L2 input) in 24 Polish adult immigrants to London who have been learning their L2 on a daily basis in natural surroundings. Participants were divided into groups according to the abovementioned criteria. The phonetic parameter under investigation is VOT in voiceless aspirated stops /p/, /t/ and /k/ in word-initial positions, analysed on the basis of a reading task and then measured in Praat. The qualitative data were collected by means of a structured interview. The results suggest the importance of the level of English proficiency in L2 on arrival in the L2 country and its influence on the phonetic system developed by each learner individually. L2 pronunciation level can be developed mainly through the frequent use of the L2 in communication with native-speakers of the language.