Cross-linguistic Influence in Third Language Acquisition of Voice Onset Time

Abstract

The paper aims to investigate the sources of cross-linguistic influence in the acquisition of voice onset time patterns in third language phonology. Thirty two learners of L3 French with L1 Polish and L2 English were recorded reading lists of words in carrier phrases in the three respective languages. The recordings were analyzed for the degree of aspiration of voiceless stops in stressed onset positions. The results revealed interlanguage VOT patterns, including compromise values for L3 VOT that could be attributed to a combined influence of L1 and L2, thus substantiating the existence of both native and non-native cross-linguistic influence in L3 phonology.