Pronunciation of German suffixes by Japanese native speakers of different proficiency levels

Abstract

This study investigates an aspect of speech rhythm in German spoken by Japanese native speakers of different proficiency levels. Previous studies on the production of vowel reduction have indicated that this is an area of difficulty for non-native speakers. One study, working on the assumption that second language (L2) speech production is affected by first language (L1), suggested that Japanese native speakers tend to fail at producing the required vowel reductions in unstressed syllables. The present study further investigated this issue by dividing Japanese native speakers into two groups: advanced and elementary learners. The aim of the present study was to investigate acoustic properties of vowel quality (first and second formants) and quantity (durational ratio) of unstressed syllables in German suffixes on the basis of German proficiency levels and the influence of L1. From results, main effect was obtained for the proficiency levels; acoustic analysis showed significant differences between first two formants and durational ratio same to be the factors that caused the difference among the levels. This suggests that L2 learning process may accompany the acquisition of L2 sounds even when rhythmic structures differ between L1 and L2. [Work supported by JSPS.]