Fairness of using different English accents: The effect of shared L1s in listening tasks of the Duolingo English test

Abstract

This study aimed to answer an ongoing validity question related to the use of nonstandard English accents in international tests of English proficiency and associated issues of test fairness. More specifically, we examined (1) the extent to which different or shared English accents had an impact on listeners’ performances on the Duolingo listening tests and (2) the extent to which different English accents affected listeners’ performances on two different task types. Speakers from four interlanguage English accent varieties (Chinese, Spanish, Indian English [Hindi], and Korean) produced speech samples for “yes/no” vocabulary and dictation Duolingo listening tasks. Listeners who spoke with these same four English accents were then recruited to take the Duolingo listening test items. Results indicated that there is a shared first language (L1) benefit effect overall, with comparable test scores between shared-L1 and inner-circle L1 accents, and no significant differences in listeners’ listening performance scores across highly intelligible accent varieties. No task type effect was found. The findings provide guidance to better understand fairness, equality, and practicality of designing and administering high-stakes English tests targeting a diversity of accents.

Revisiting raters’ accent familiarity in speaking tests: Evidence that presentation mode interacts with accent familiarity to variably affect comprehensibility ratings

“…Results pertaining to a shared L1 advantage were inconclusive, but significantly higher comprehension scores were associated with listening to the more comprehensible speakers within the three accent groups. In another study, Kang et al (2023) recruited speakers from four English accent varieties (Chinese, Spanish, Indian English [Hindi], and Korean) that produced speech samples for "yes/no" vocabulary (Harrington & Carey, 2009) and Duolingo dictation listening tasks. This time the findings revealed a shared L1 advantage, comparable test scores between shared-L1 and inner-circle L1 accents, and no significant differences in listening performance scores across highly intelligible accent varieties.…”