Development of perceptual similarity and discriminability: the perception of Russian phonemes by Chinese learners

Abstract

This study explored the perceptual assimilation and discrimination of Russian phonemes by three groups of Chinese listeners with differing Russian learning experience. A perceptual assimilation task (PAT) and a perceptual discrimination test (PDT) were conducted to investigate if/how L1–L2 perceptual similarity would vary as a function of increased learning experience, and the development of assimilation-discrimination relations. The PAT was analyzed via assimilation rates, dispersion K′ values, goodness ratings and assimilation patterns. Results revealed an intriguing phenomenon that the perceived Mandarin-Russian similarity first increased from naïve listeners to intermediate learners and then decreased slightly in relatively advanced learners. This suggests that L1–L2 perceptual similarity is subject to learning experience and could follow a potential “rise and fall” developmental pattern. The PDT results were mostly in line with the assimilation-discrimination correspondence with more experience bringing out better discriminability in general. Yet the overall sensitivity d′ values from the Chinese groups were relatively low, implying acoustic/articulatory effects on L2 discriminability aside from perceptual assimilation. The results were discussed under the frameworks of L2 Perceptual Assimilation Model, Speech Learning Model and L2 Linguistic Perception Model.

The more the better? Effects of L1 tonal density and typology on the perception of non-native tones

“…Perceptual assimilation task. Following previous studies [19,50,51], results of the perceptual assimilation task were measured by three criteria: first, assimilation percentages and similarity scores; then, the fix index and degree of response diversity (K 0 ) as in [50]. As a metric, the fit index takes response rates and similarity ratings into account by multiplying the mean percentage of responses and the mean similarity rating scores.…”