Article published in:
Applying priming methods to L2 learning, teaching and research: Insights from PsycholinguisticsEdited by Pavel Trofimovich and Kim McDonough
[Language Learning & Language Teaching 30] 2011
► pp. 105–129
Chapter 5. When three equals tree
Examining the nature of phonological entries in L2 lexicons of Quebec speakers of English
Pavel Trofimovich | Concordia University, Montreal
Paul John | Université du Québec à Montréal
In this study, we used auditory priming to examine the phonological content of lexical entries for adult second language speakers. In particular, we investigated whether, for native speakers of Quebec French, words like they and day as well as three and tree have identical (i.e., homophonous) phonological forms in these speakers’ lexicons, which would explain these speakers’ difficulty producing and perceiving words containing difficult /ð/ and /θ/ consonants. We found that our participants did not distinguish between these pairs of words in their lexicons, but were able to produce at least some of the words containing English /ð/ and /θ/ accurately. We discuss both theoretical and pedagogical implications of these findings.
Published online: 24 March 2011
https://doi.org/10.1075/lllt.30.09tro
https://doi.org/10.1075/lllt.30.09tro