The impact of native language on second language rhythm acquisition: Insights from a cross-linguistic and intra-language corpus study

Linguistic Re search 41(3): 391-429. This study investigates how native language (L1) rhythm structure influences the acquisition of second language (L2) rhythm across 20 different languages and within a single language group. Utilizing diverse corpora of L1 and L2 speech samples from various languages, we explored the rhythmic patterns of syllable-timed (e.g., Korean) and stress-timed (e.g., English) language speakers. Our findings reveal that L2 learners from syllable-timed language backgrounds can achieve rhythm patterns similar to native English speakers, challenging the notion that L1 rhythm disparities inherently disadvantage learners. This supports the Speech Learning Model (SLM), suggesting that learners with rhythmically contrasting native languages may acquire L2 rhythm more effectively than those with similar rhythmic structures. Furthermore, we examined the effect of speech style (reading vs. spontaneous) on rhythm production. Native Korean speakers consistently exhibited higher durational variability in spontaneous speech compared to reading in both L1 and L2, contrary to expectations that educational focus would lead to increased variability in reading. This pattern underscores the potential influence of individual speech traits, suggesting that L1 rhythmic tendencies persist in L2 production. Our study highlights the need for further research into the interplay between L1 and L2 rhythm acquisition and the impact of speech style across diverse language backgrounds. This research contributes to understanding the broader applicability of the SLM and the role of speech style in rhythm production. (Soongsil University <middle dot> University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee)