Attention redistribution and segment-tone integration in Mandarin tone acquisition by L2 learners
نویسندگان
چکیده
This study investigates how beginning and advanced Dutch learners of Mandarin process Mandarin tonal information. An ABX matching to sample task is adopted to investigate the discrimination of tonal pairs, the redistribution of attention between segmental and suprasegmental information, and the integrality of segmental and suprasegmental dimensions. Results show a clear developmental path in tone learning. The advanced learners can discriminate Mandarin tonal contrasts effectively. Moreover, they have learned to redistribute their attention between segmental and suprasegmental information, and they process these dimensions in an integrated manner like Mandarin native speaker. This reflects that the acquisition of new tonal categories in L2 involves a redistribution of attention along acoustic dimensions and the development of segment-tone integration.
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