Posters

Effects of Perception-Focused High Variability Phonetic Training: Impacts on Perception, Production, and Phonological Working Memory in Elementary EFL Learners

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Abstract

L2 speech perception is critical for second language (L2) learners in mastering English phonology. One technique for improving L2 speech perception is High Variability Phonetic Training (HVPT), which incorporates multiple talkers and presents target phonemes in diverse phonetic contexts. This study examines HVPT's effects on L2 perception, L2 production, and Phonological Working Memory (PWM) in 25 elementary school 3rd graders in South Korea, an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. Participants underwent nine HVPT sessions on 14 high functional load consonant pairs. The results indicated large effects of post-training improvements in L2 perception, L2 production, and PWM. There was no observed generalization to untargeted phonemes or phonetic contexts. Different patterns were evident according to learners' listening proficiency level. A stronger correlation was observed between perception and production after HVPT. These findings highlight the potential of perception-focused HVPT in improving phonological skills in elementary EFL learners, expanding the understanding of HVPT for pronunciation training, which has with few exceptions focused on adult learners.

Keywords: High Variability Phonetic Training, Phonemic Awareness, Perception and Production, Phonological Working Memory, Computer-assisted Pronunciation Training, L2 Speech Learning, Elementary learners

How to Cite:

Lee, K., & Ahn, H. (2025). Effects of perception-focused high variability phonetic training: Impacts on perception, production, and phonological working memory in elementary EFL learners. In J. M. Levis, M. Duris, S. Sonsaat-Hegelheimer, & I. Na (Eds.), Proceedings of the 15th Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Conference (pp. 1-15). Iowa State University, September 2024. https://doi.org/10.31274/psllt.18437