The subset problem in L2 perceptual development: Multiple-category assimilation by Dutch learners of Spanish

Abstract

Second-language (L2) speech perception research has identified several patterns in the non-native perception of vowel contrasts. The models that account for non-native perception (Perceptual Assimilation Model, Best 1995; and Speech Learning Model, Flege 1995; for a summary of these and other nonnative perception models see introduction in Best, McRoberts and Goodell 2001) claim that the attested patterns are a consequence of the influence of the learners ’ first language (L1). One of the most common patterns reported in the literature, mainly because of its highly problematic nature for learning, is the socalled single-category assimilation (Best’s term; Flege calls it perceptual equivalence), e.g. the perception of English /E/-/Q/, /i/-/I / and /r/-/l / by