Analysis on L2 learners' perception errors between geminate and singleton of Japanese consonants using loudness related parameters

Abstract

For better understanding of the identification difficulties in Japanese geminate/singleton consonants for second language (L2) learners, a perceptual factor is newly introduced to supply the insufficiencies of conventional explanations solely using acoustic duration differences. To systematically explain speech-rate related serious errors of geminate/singleton identification in fast/slow speech, loudness related parameters are used to reflect perceptual characteristics on duration. Correlation analyses have shown that these parameters can provide reasonable explanation for error characteristics obtained in the perceptual experiment on Japanese geminate/singleton consonants by Korean learners. A new possibility is suggested to design L2 teaching materials for Japanese geminate/singleton consonants with different phonetic contexts based on expected difficulties resulting from their loudness differences.