Training Japanese listeners to identify English vowels

描述（由申请人提供）：寻找一种有效的语音教学方法一直是语言相关领域的极大兴趣。辅音训练的研究很多，但对元音训练的研究却很少。由于元音不仅传递段性信息，而且还传递超段性信息，因此提高元音的感知和产生能力是提高交际效率的必要条件。目前的研究是关于在第二语言中习得元音的训练方法。学员将是拥有共同母语的美式英语学习者。本研究的第一个目的是评估知觉训练中不同范围的刺激集对训练效果的影响。将采用测试前和测试后的测试设计来衡量培训对受训者表现的影响。本研究的第二个目的是评估知觉训练向生产的转移。所有学员将在培训前和培训后录音。录制的语音样本将进行声学分析，并由AE的母语人士评估其可理解性和重音性。本研究的第三个目的是评估长期保留训练效果的可能性。这些结果将为语音感知-产生环节的理论框架提供实证支持。这些结果也可以用来扩展研究，提出新的元音训练方法。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Finding an effective and efficient method for teaching speech sounds has been of the great interest in language related fields. There are many consonant training studies, but there is limited research on vowel training. Since vowels convey not only segmental but also suprasegmental information, it is necessary to improve both perception and production of vowels in order to increase one's communicative efficiency. The present research is on training methods for vowels acquired in a second language. Trainees will be learners of American English (AE) who have a common native language. The first purpose of the present research is to evaluate the impact that different ranges of stimulus sets used in a perceptual training have on the effectiveness of training. A pre test post test design will be employed to gauge change in trainees' performance resulting from training. The second purpose of this study is to assess the transfer of perceptual training to production. All trainees will record their speech before and after training. Recorded speech samples will be acoustically analyzed as well as evaluated by native speakers of AE for intelligibility and accentedness. The third purpose of this study is to assess the possibility of long-term retention of the training effects. These results will provide empirical support for a theoretical framework for the speech perception-production link. These results can also be used to extend the research to propose new vowel training methods.