This talk will present the rationale and empirical foundation for an “asset-” rather than “deficit-based” framework for understanding bilingual speech communication. In this framework, first-language (L1) and second-language (L2) speech are viewed as distinct speech styles each of which is shaped by four interacting sources of influence: (1) the individual talker’s vocal tract and ideolectal speech patterns (“trait” characteristics), (2) the sound structure of the language being spoken (“structural” characteristics), (3) the sound structure of other language(s), if any, in the talker’s repertoire (“repertoire” characteristics), and (4) general patterns of dominant versus non-dominant language function (“mode” characteristics). This “Trait-Structure-Repertoire-Mode” perspective contrasts with “deficit” models of the L1-L2 relationship in which metaphors of vectors (L1 source to L2 target) or filters (L1 filter for L2 production and processing) set up a hierarchy with L1 and L2 as “standard” and “deviant,” respectively. While still acknowledging L1 advantages in communication speed, accuracy, and ease, this perspective emphasizes the confluence of language-general properties (Trait and Mode) and language-specific properties (Structure and Repertoire) for speech production and perception by bilinguals in both/all of their languages.