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Speech perception in second language Spanish during study abroad

Study on Language Variation and Phonology Learning

Not Recruiting
100 years or below
All
Phase N/A

Brief description of study.

This dissertation research will investigate how learners who are exposed to language variation during study abroad, particularly in the area of phonology (i.e., speech sounds and sound patterns in the language), do or do not learn to correctly perceive a particular speech sound when they hear it. These learners will be compared to learners who stay at home at their university in the US during the same time period. Furthermore, the research will seek to determine what factors, such as the amount of contact with native speakers of Spanish, language proficiency level, or the group to which the learner belongs (study abroad or at-home) predict which learners improve over the course of the semester and which ones do not.

Detailed description of study

This dissertation research will investigate how learners who are exposed to language variation during study abroad, particularly in the area of phonology (i.e., speech sounds and sound patterns in the language), do or do not learn to correctly perceive a particular speech sound when they hear it. These learners will be compared to learners who stay at home at their university in the US during the same time period. Furthermore, the research will seek to determine what factors, such as the amount of contact with native speakers of Spanish, language proficiency level, or the group to which the learner belongs (study abroad or at-home) predict which learners improve over the course of the semester and which ones do not.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Healthy
  • Age: 100 years or below
  • Gender: All

This study investigates how students learn to perceive speech sounds when exposed to different language environments. Specifically, it looks at phonology, which is the study of speech sounds and patterns. Some students will study abroad and be exposed to language variations, while others will stay at their home university in the US. The study will compare these two groups to see how they learn to recognize certain speech sounds.

The procedures will include measuring students' ability to perceive speech sounds before and after the study period. Factors such as the amount of interaction with native Spanish speakers and the students' current language skills will be considered to see which factors help students improve their phonology skills.

  • Who can participate: University students aged 18 and above who are studying abroad or staying at their home university in the US can participate. Participants should be learning Spanish and willing to have their phonology skills tested.
  • Study details: Participants will be divided into two groups: those studying abroad and those staying at their home university. Tests will measure their ability to perceive certain speech sounds before and after the study period.
Updated on 19 Feb 2024. Study ID: 1407701135

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