Field, Avery: Effects of Semantic Processing on VOT of Voiced Stops in Spanish L2 Learners

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Title: Effects of Semantic Processing on VOT of Voiced Stops in Spanish L2 Learners

Name: Avery Field

Major: Linguistics

School affiliation: School of Arts and Sciences

Programs: Aresty – RA Program

Other contributors: Joseph Casillas

Abstract: In this study, we are looking at how Semantic Processing affects the ability of English native speakers who are learning Spanish to pronounce voiceless stops more Spanish-like (shorter VOT). We were expecting to see Semantic Processing make VOT more English like (longer) in lower proficiency L2 Spanish speakers and see less of an effect in higher proficiency speakers. Participants of varying levels of proficiency were asked to read words presented on a screen in a random order. They were then asked to identify these same words only being presented pictures of these words on a screen. The words that we were paying attention to all began with stops. All of these trials were recorded and the VOT of these stops were measured in Praat, a software used to analyze phonological data.