Effects of Auditory Word Repetition on Speech Processing of Japanese EFL Learners

概要

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Shadowing practice has been introduced into English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom learning method and a number of empirical studies support its efficacy. However, these studies focused on sentence processing, while a number of intervening variables made it difficult to verify which factors might help learners to perceive and produce second language (L2) sounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of auditory word repetition in order to understand the cognitive processes in L2 repetition and clarify some effective means of repetitive practice that suit Japanese EFL learners. Forty Japanese university students participated in an auditory word repetition experiment and three factors of repetition (number of repetitions, repetition method, and processing orientation) were discussed. The results showed that a greater number of repetitions led to swifter and more stable responses, but did not improve accuracy. In addition, vocal repetition helped learners to produce each word quickle and correctly in an on-line condition. Finally, a positive learning effect could be seen when repetition followed semantic processing. The three factors of repetition seemed to have mutually complementary relationships and the overall findings underscored the importance of well-repetition tasks for Japanese EFL learners.