Perception and Production of Consonants of English by Pakistani Speakers

Nasir Abbas Syed,Illahi Bux,Sanaullah Ansari

doi:10.5539/ijel.v7n3p201

Nasir Abbas Syed, Illahi Bux + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5539/ijel.v7n3p201

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Abstract

This paper depicts a comprehensive picture of consonants of Pakistani English (PakE). The study shows that PakE speakers neutralize aspiration contrast in English stops. In the PakE, /t/ in /st/ cluster on onset of a word (e.g., steal) is produced with more aspiration than that on syllable-initial position without preceding /s/ (e.g., in “teach”). Besides, /t d/ are produced with strong retroflexion but /t/ in tautosyllabic /st/ clusters on word-initial position is produced without retroflexion. Voiced stops are produced with pre-voicing. Dental fricatives /θ ð/ produced by native speakers of English are perceived as [f z] or [s v] by PakE speakers but they produce these fricatives as stop. PakE speakers can realize a difference between clear and dark lateral of English in perception although they do not maintain the same difference in production as they produce English lateral as a clear lateral on onset and coda of syllables. Coronal fricative /ʒ/ is perceived and produced as approximant /j/ and /v w/ as a labial approximant. In PakE [r] is produced with strong trilling and rhoticity on all word-positions.

Highlights

English is a language which is spreading world-wide
The current study is a step forward in this regard. It highlights those aspects of the Pakistani English (PakE) which have not been already described in the previous studies
Only those consonants have been selected for discussion which are produced differently in Pakistani English (PakE) and British English (BE)

Summary

Introduction

English is a language which is spreading world-wide It has transplanted varieties like those spoken in Pakistan, India, Africa and other countries which have been part of the British Empire in the past. In these countries, the arrival of English language dates back to the days of colonial era. Rahman (1991), Mahboob & Ahmar (2004) and Afsar & Kamran (2011) are the only available studies which analyze consonants of Pakistani English in some detail. The current study is a step forward in this regard It highlights those aspects of the PakE which have not been already described in the previous studies. A brief description of the previous studies summarized below clearly indicates that a detailed description of the PakE, based on empirical evidence is utterly required

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