Chapter 4. Cross-language influences in the acquisition of L2 and L3 phonology

Abstract

This chapter synthesises some of the main findings from research investigating cross-language influence (CLI) in Second Language (L2) and Third Language (L3) speech learning. In addition to an overview of the findings that have gathered growing consensus in the fields of L2 and L3 phonology, and how these results have been tested and explained in various theories of L2 speech, this chapter points to methodological and theoretical considerations discussed in three areas that hold promise for future research in L2 and L3 speech: (i) the relationship between L2/L3 speech perception and L2/L3 speech production, (ii) the acquisition of phonological processes vs. phonological contrasts, and (iii) the distinction between static and dynamic phonetic interactions in L2 and L3 speech.