The Auditory Distance Model in the Acquisition of Interdental Fricatives: An Example of Serbian Interlanguage Phonology

Abstract

Understanding and producing a foreign language incorporates a complex interaction of semantics, pragmatics, phonetics as well as syntax. Correctly perceiving and producing target language sounds may therefore seem as an inevitable step in successful foreign language acquisition. The current study investigates the application of the Auditory Distance Model (Brannen, 2011) on Serbian EFL learners‘ acquisition of interdental fricatives. The model in question provides an algorithm for determining possible differential substitutes for L2 phones non-existent in L1 phonological system, presupposing that differential substitution results from transfer and that - perception and production are interrelated. Subjects‘ pronunciation was recorded, submitted to analysis and later discussed. The results showed satisfactory level of applicability of the model in question to Serbian EFL learners‘ perception and production of interdental fricatives since it accurately predicts their potential substitutes. Furthermore, the interrelatedness of perception and production was demonstrated once again.