Abstract

Studies of the acquisition of the lenited allophones of Spanish voiced stops have traditionally focused on the production (Lord, 2010; Rogers & Alvord, 2014; Zampini, 1994), but not on the perception of these sounds. This pilot study examines relationships between (a) learner proficiency and perception of target sounds;(b) learner perception and production accuracy; and (c) allophone type (bilabial, interdental, or velar) and perception and production accuracy. Seventeen Englishspeaking L2 Spanish learners at the college level with various levels of language study (novice, intermediate, and advanced1) took perception and production tests. Data was analyzed via spectrography and the results were statistically analyzed. Results indicate that:(a) the level of study might have a direct effect on the perception or production of the Spanish lenited sounds only at the intermediate level of study;(b) a moderate relationship between the perception and production of the lenited allophones was observed; and (c) of the three allophones, the interdental [ð] seems to be the easiest to perceive, but the hardest to produce. Given the pilot nature of this study, we cannot draw definitive conclusions, although the results might be interpreted to indicate a need for more focus on pronunciation instruction (both perception and production) of these Spanish allophonic sounds. Pedagogical suggestions are offered.