Department of English, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York, USA.
Folia Phoniatr Logop. 2021;73(5):384-400. doi: 10.1159/000510621. Epub 2020 Oct 16.
Mastering the phonetics of a second language (L2) involves a component of speech-motor skill, and it has been suggested that L2 learners aiming to achieve a more native-like pronunciation could benefit from practice structured in accordance with the principles of motor learning.
This study investigated the influence one such principle, high versus low variability in practice, has on speech-motor learning for Korean adults seeking to acquire native-like production of English rhotics. Practice incorporated a commercially available intraoral placement device ("R Buddy," Speech Buddies Inc.). In a single-subject across-behaviors design, 8 participants were pseudorandomly assigned to practice rhotic targets in a low-variability (single word) or high-variability (multiple words) practice condition.
The hypothesized advantage for high-variability over low-variability practice was observed in the short-term time frame. However, long-term learning was limited in nature for both conditions.
These results suggest that future research should incorporate high-variability practice while identifying additional manipulations to maximize the magnitude of long-term generalization learning.
掌握第二语言（L2）的语音涉及言语运动技能的组成部分，有人认为，为了达到更接近母语的发音，L2 学习者可以从符合运动学习原则的练习中受益。
本研究调查了运动学习的一个原则，即练习中的高变异性与低变异性对韩国成年人学习英语卷舌音的发音的影响。练习采用了一种商业上可用的口腔内放置装置（“R Buddy”，Speech Buddies Inc.）。在一项单被试跨行为设计中，8 名参与者被随机分配到低变异性（单个单词）或高变异性（多个单词）练习条件下练习卷舌音目标。
在短期时间框架内观察到高变异性练习相对于低变异性练习的预期优势。然而，两种条件下的长期学习都具有局限性。
这些结果表明，未来的研究应结合高变异性练习，同时确定其他操作来最大化长期泛化学习的幅度。
