Investigating the effect of second language learning on the acquisition of a third language rhythm pattern

Abstract

Language transfer helps in the acquisition of a second language (L2) when the target L2 shares similarities with the first language (L1). We ask: Does proficiency in an L2 facilitate the acquisition of a structurally similar L3? Or, does training in any L2 help with L3 acquisition? We investigated L2 learners’ ability to reproduce the rhythm of a novel L3, Indonesian, as a function of their exposure to a rhythm-similar language (French) or a rhythm-divergent language (German). Twelve English-speaking students with no college-level language served as control group; six 2nd-year French students served as the rhythm-similar group; and 6 2nd-year German students as the rhythm-divergent group. All produced French, German, and Indonesian sentences in a repetition task with native speaker prompts. Listeners then rated the similarity between their sentences and that of a native speaker. Interval-based rhythm metrics were also computed for the sentences. L2 groups were better at their L2 language than the control group based on the ratings and rhythm measures. They were also perceived as producing better L3 sentences than the control group. Overall, the results suggest that language learning may facilitate subsequent language learning; the effect is not limited to language transfer. [Work supported by NIH.]