Learning more, perceiving more? A comparison of L1 Cantonese–L2 English–L3 French speakers and L1 Cantonese–L2 English speakers in Hong Kong

Abstract

This paper reports on a study examining the relationship between language learning and perceived language differences. Two groups of native Cantonese speakers in Hong Kong, L1 Cantonese–L2 English (CE) and L1 Cantonese–L2 English–L3 French (CEF), were asked to complete two tasks: a placement test in English (as well as in French for the CEF group) and a questionnaire on linguistic perception. While their performance in the placement test indicated that their English levels were comparable, their ratings and responses in the questionnaire indicated distinctive degrees of awareness and perception in the distance between their L1 Cantonese and L2 English. The advanced French participants in the CEF group were also found to be in the seemingly best position to express the similarities/differences among the languages. The differences observed are suggested to be related to enhanced cross-linguistic experience and the different L3 French proficiency levels the CEF group possessed.