Speech production in noise by Chinese learners of English

This study examined effects of noise on speech production in first and second languages (L1 and L2) by examining correlates of segments and suprasegmentals produced by experienced Chinese learners of English. Vowels were significantly lengthened while consonants remained comparable under babble noise in both Chinese and English. Fundamental frequency was unchanged in Chinese, but raised in English in both quiet and noisy conditions. Phonetic realization of lexical stresses was partially maintained under noise to achieve contrast between strong and weak syllables. Our findings reveal Lombard effect in Chinese speakers’ L1 and L2 speech production. Patterns of phonetic modification in Lombard speech appear language-specific, which may be attributed to L1 transfer or limited experience in L2 communication under adverse conditions.