Use of contrastive syllabic information in L1-L2map for Spanish pronunciation teaching

Abstract

In the acquisition of a second language (L2) sound system, learners must not only acquire the new sounds and sound contrasts of the L2, but they must also internalize the distributional patterns and syllabic constraints active in the L2. This article discusses some linguistic and contrastive aspects that can influence the acquisition of Spanish L2 syllable structure and presents the new functions of L1-L2map, a multilingual database that allows comparing the syllable structure of languages. In the course of the article the main syllable restrictions active in Spanish will be reviewed and the L1-L2map database will be used to highlight those pronunciation areas that are likely to be problematic for language learners depending on their particular native language (L1s). Additionally, some of the most frequent strategies and modifications in the learner's interlanguage when encountering new syllable types will be briefly sketched.