Exploring ESL learner accent preferences: a longitudinal study

Veitch, Hillary Rose

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/107913 Copy

Description

Title

Exploring ESL learner accent preferences: a longitudinal study

Author(s)

Veitch, Hillary Rose

Issue Date

2020-04-23

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

• Franks, Suzanne
• Kang, Hyun-Sook

Department of Study

Linguistics

Discipline

Teaching of English Sec Lang

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.A.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• English language teaching
• pronunciation
• learner preferences
• learner perceptions
• accent
• English as a lingua franca
• native speaker norms

Abstract

This longitudinal study explored English as a Second Language (ESL) learners’ perceptions of different English accents, as well as their preferences and perceptions of their own L2 English accents. Using data collected via in-depth interviews with four undergraduate ESL students about their L2 communication experiences, the data reveals that participants’ accent preferences and perceptions of different English accents are highly complex and dynamic. In terms of perceptions of different English accents, participants demonstrated noticing of different English accents and noticing of how English accents play a role in English as a lingua franca communication. Furthermore, participants’ concerns about achieving target-like pronunciation versus intelligibility as a model in L2 communication were found to be among the main pragmatic considerations in their own L2 accent preferences. The findings demonstrate how ESL learners’ noticing of different English accents and of their own L2 accent preferences could have important implications for pronunciation instruction in ELT.

Graduation Semester

2020-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/107913

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2020 Hillary Veitch

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