Disfluencies in English Speech Produced by Spanish-English Bilinguals

Abstract

Background: Fluency and disfluency exist on a continuum of speech production.Typically fluent speakers produce varying numbers of disfluencies; this number increases in stressful or cognitively demanding situations. Prior research indicates that adult second language learners produce more disfluencies in their weaker, second language, however, this has not been explored among heritage bilinguals who developed in both languages during childhood. There is a lack of foundational knowledge regarding disfluencies among typically fluent adult bilinguals; typical fluency patterns are likely influenced by bidirectional relationships between languages. These patterns may be viewed as disfluencies by listeners who generally perceive disfluencies unfavorably. Objectives: The current study explores the quantity and types of disfluencies produced by bilinguals. Methods: Twenty Spanish-English bilinguals took part in a simulated job interview. Responses were transcribed and the total number and percent of disfluencies were calculated. Results: The findings indicated that typically fluent Spanish-English bilingual adults produce 6.99 typical (nonstuttered) disfluencies per 100 words and are therefore within the range of normative data on monolingual adults (5.1–10.99 per 100 words). The 2 most common disfluencies were superfluous verbal behaviors and pauses. Conclusions: The findings revealed that typically fluent Spanish-English bilingual adult participants produced more fixed postures than previously reported among monolingual English speakers.