Introduction

When acquiring a second language (L2), a learner will be bound to face many difficulties. These difficulties include learning the vocabulary of the target language (the language being learned), getting acquainted with L2 grammatical rules, and of course, understanding and producing L2 speech. This is especially important, as language is usually acquired for communication, thus, the need to be understood is vital. However, the acquisition of new categories of L2 sounds – depending on how different the second language is from the native language – have proven to be one of the most difficult aspect, possibly because the learner has learned sound rules and categories in the native language so well. Furthermore, being able to perceive differences in how a second language categorizes sounds does not necessarily mean that a second language learner’s speech can sound like a native speaker’s. Therefore, we seek to understand methods that can improve speech perception and production, and which methods may work better than others.

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