The acoustics of English vowels in the speech of Dutch learners before and after pronunciation training
Amongst all second-language skills, pronunciation seems to be in a league of its
own. It is difficult to teach and acquire as it is a highly intuitive and physiological
skill. This research describes the successes of pronunciation training, specifically
related to Dutch learners of English. Acoustic measurements were done on
selected vowels. The F1 and F2 values – showing degree of vowel openness and
front/back-ness, respectively – before and after training showed that an individual
learner’s progress in the production of one vowel does not necessarily
imply equal success in another. Types of learners could be distinguished; while
most learners improved, others stagnated or regressed. The results suggest that
Dutch learners should focus more on vowel openness than on front/back-ness.
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