Why You Have an Accent in your L2 🌍

Also, why do kids sound better than us when learning a new language?

Just the other day, I was subbing for a special needs class. I've never really met or talked to these students before, except for the hellos we'd exchange in the hallways. The teacher was out, and I had to follow some specific instructions. The subject I filled in wasn't English either, so I had to explain as best I could in Japanese.

"You sound strange," a kid exclaimed, pointing at me accusingly. And when I explained it was because I wasn’t Japanese, another child asked me how long I’ve been learning the language. “Longer than you’ve been alive!” I teased. However, I wondered if it was finally time to start putting more deliberate practice into sounding native-like.

I even had to remind myself of this quote! “Do you know what a foreign accent is? It's a sign of bravery. “- Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

🤪💬 Why we sound “funny”

Language acquisition has a time limit that ends at puberty, according to Eric Lenneberg's critical period hypothesis.¹ The ability to acquire languages like children is not present in adolescents and adults. The window for accent acquisition closes between the ages of nine and ten. Different researchers suggest that the cut-off age for phonology is typically between six and fifteen. Some researchers propose the sensitive period hypothesis, which suggests that the ability to continue learning may extend beyond puberty and is hard to precisely determine.

Flege's hypothesis² states that interference in second language pronunciation depends on the first language's acoustic system when second language learning starts. Learners may inaccurately interpret target language sounds after establishing their native phonetic system between ages five and seven. Late learners may have a foreign accent due to interference from their native language with the target language.

📚🔬 Sounding Native-Like: Scientifically-Backed Studies

Use Prosodic Elements: According to research, the use of prosodic elements like stress, rhythm, tempo, and intonation can affect second language pronunciation. Learners can improve their pronunciation skills to sound more native-like by incorporating prosodic elements into language instruction and communicative activities.³

Develop Phonological Awareness and Processing Skills: Enhancing phonological awareness and processing abilities, like retaining unfamiliar sound patterns in short-term memory, can lead to better perception and pronunciation in a second language.⁴

Consider Individual Factors and Learning Context: Late phonological learning can be affected by individual factors, including L1 processing strategies, motivation, self-concept, and learning approach. By understanding how individual factors and the learning context influence language learning, learners and instructors can prioritize effective strategies.⁵

Customize Strategies for Accent Modification: Customized strategies for accent modification, based on individual proficiency levels and specific pronunciation challenges, can be effective in improving pronunciation accuracy and reducing foreign accents.⁶

Utilize Technology for Pronunciation Improvement: The use of technological tools, including PRAAT software, aids in the analysis and improvement of pronunciation. By utilizing technology, learners can improve their pronunciation through analysis and refinement, potentially achieving native-like proficiency.⁷

Practice and Exposure to Native Speakers: Pronunciation can improve significantly through consistent practice and regular interaction with native speakers of the target language. Listening to native speakers, watching movies, and engaging in conversations with native speakers can help learners internalize native-like pronunciation patterns.⁸

Once I moved past the momentary embarrassment of my accent being distracting to a couple of children, I realized that sounding like a native speaker is not at the top of my list when it comes to honing my language skills. To me, having a broader vocabulary, stronger grammar skills, and the ability to code-switch appropriately is more pressing than sounding local. Besides, Japanese will always be a language I continue to study, so I'll have plenty of time to improve. Who knows, maybe there’ll even be a day when I don’t stick out like a sore thumb. A girl can dream, right? 😅

Is having a native-like accent important to you?

1. Moyer, A. (2004). Age, Accent and Experience in Second Language Acquisition. Multilingual Matters. DOI: 10.21832/9781853597190

2. Flege, J. (2021). Age of learning and second language speech.

3. Adams-Goertel, R. (2013). Prosodic Elements to Improve Pronunciation in English Language Learners: A Short Report.

4. Goss, S.J. (2019). Exploring variation in nonnative Japanese learners’ perception of lexical pitch accent: The roles of processing resources and learning context. Applied Psycholinguistics, 41, 25 - 49.

5. Moyer, A. (2014). What's Age Got to Do with It? Accounting for Individual Factors in Second Language Accent. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 4, 443-464.

6. Chakraborty, R., Domsch, C., & Gonzales, M.D. (2011). Articulatory Behaviors of Nonnative Speakers: Role of L2 Proficiency and Accent Modification. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 113, 311 - 330.

7. Moncayo Herrera, E. (2023). Improving pronunciation of -S ending in an Ecuadorian EFL class. Research, Society and Development.

8. Sabih-Ul-Hassan, S., Gul, N., & Imran, S. (2023). Factors Responsible for Wrong Pronunciation of English Words by Students at Undergraduate Level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Journal of Education and Social Studies.