| Vol. 3. No. 4 |
A-1 |
January 1999 |
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Neural Plasticity and the Issue of Mimicry Tasks in L2 Pronunciation
Studies
Yvonne F. Stapp
Gaikokugo Center
University of Tsukuba, Japan
<stapp@sakura.cc.tsukuba.ac.jp>
Abstract
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In second language research, the ability to mimic
foreign words is frequently cited as evidence for
neural plasticity. However, if the type of neural
plasticity related to language acquisition is not
manifested in mimicry, the assumed connection is
questionable. In an investigation of the
relationship between mimicry skill and neural
plasticity, 28 monolingual Japanese subjects age 4-17
repeated a list of simple English words containing
/r/ and /l/. Analyses were made of individual and
age-group scores, and the consistency of individuals'
pronunciation across word tokens. In the aggregate,
the adolescents proved superior to the children.
However, only one adolescent actually scored high
enough to qualify as a good mimic. The results here
suggest that mimicry ability is not related to age,
but is really a talent available to particular
individuals throughout life. This is different from
the neural plasticity which gives young children a
long-term advantage in L2 pronunciation, whether or
not they are good mimics at the outset.
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Keywords: pronunciation, acquisition, ESL, EFL, mimicry
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