¿Pollo o Bollo? Acquisition of Voicing Contrast by Chinese Learners of L3 Spanish

Abstract

The study examines cross-linguistic influence (CLI) and voice onset time (VOT) in the production of Spanish stop consonants by native speakers of Mandarin Chinese who have learned English as their second language (L2). Six Chinese nationals studying Spanish in the United States at beginning levels and an advanced-level control were recorded reading words in their L1, L2, and L3. Results indicate a general lack of prevoicing in the speakers’ production of the Spanish voiced stops. At the same time, their Spanish VOT values show great variation, with the majority of speakers having combined CLI from L1 and L2 on their L3 VOT. Results are discussed in relation to individual variation and learning context.