Comparative Study on Language Transfer of English Soundless Plosives Perception among EFL Learners with different L1: Cantonese, Mandarin, and Changsha Dialect
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper investigates the perception of English voiceless plosives (/p/, /t/, /k/) by EFL learners from Cantonese, Mandarin, and Changsha dialect backgrounds, addressing gaps in existing research. We employed a rigorous experimental design involving 60 participants who underwent perception tests using audio materials generated by both native speakers and artificial intelligence. The results revealed significant differences in perception patterns among the three groups, with Cantonese speakers exhibiting the most pronounced transfer effects. Mandarin and Changsha dialect speakers showed relatively similar perception patterns, suggesting the absence of final consonants may lead to uniform transfer effects. This study highlights the importance of considering phonetic transfer in language teaching, offering insights for developing targeted teaching strategies to improve English education quality in China. Our findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of language transfer and have practical implications for second language acquisition, suggesting future research should include broader linguistic contexts and longitudinal studies.
Source: Arts Culture and Language
DOI: 10.61173/28hgqc25
Authors: Yiran Hao, Zhuoran Li, Xinpeng Zhang
Institution: Beijing University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4407961888