Second language learner processing of prosodic cues: Danish stød in the brain

Second language (L2) learners struggle with the acquisition of new prosodic cues such as word tones or stress (cf. contract vs contract). Yet, perceiving and understanding such features is crucial for language comprehension and processing. The present research project will map the L2 acquisition of a rare prosodic phenomenon in Danish, stød.

Stød (ˀ) is an irregular pitch (creaky voice) which can both distinguish words (banˀken, ´the bank´ vs banken, ´the sand bank´) and predict word endings (huˀs→et, ´the house´ vs hus→e, ´houses´).

Previously, it has been found that L2 learners seem initially incapable of attending to an unknown feature´s predictive function. Less is known about the distinctive function.

The present project will study behavioural and neural responses to predictive and distinctive prosody in L2 learners at different proficiency levels and compare them to native speakers.

Additionally, it will test whether a novel active training protocol – successfully piloted in artificial language learning – can accelerate L2 acquisition.

The project will strongly expand our knowledge of word comprehension and speech processing in L2 learners, especially with respect to unknown speech sounds. This is important for the understanding of L2 processing across languages, from English to Japanese or Somali.

The project further seeks to actively facilitate L2 speech processing in learners through the development of digital tools for the L2 classroom.