The modification of English /s/+ consonant onset clusters by Levant Arabic speakers

This thesis investigates the production of English word initial /s/+ consonant clusters (sC) in the speech of eleven adult native Levant Arabic speakers (LAs). In particular, the study investigates the modification strategies that are utilised by LAs when articulating English sC clusters. This study controlled for some of the extra-linguistic factors, which might have an impact on the production of these clusters: length of exposure to North American culture, level of proficiency and onset time of learning. A word-reading task was assigned to elicit the data. The production of these words was compared with that of nine native Canadian English speakers (CEs). The findings of this study are distinct from those of previous, related interlanguage studies (Al-Saidat, 2010; Gouskova & Hall, 2007; Al-Shuaibi, 2006, Selkirk, 1981), which concluded that Arabic English as a second language (ESL) speakers have a tendency to insert a vowel in consonant clusters as a strategy (i.e., epenthesis) to facilitate the articulation of these clusters. However, the acoustic analysis employed in this study showed that the targeted clusters were articulated without vowel insertion. Our acoustic analysis leads us to conclude that the strategy in producing sC clusters among our study’s sample of LAs has nothing to do with epenthesis. Instead, LAs produce clusters with a difference in the length of the /s/ and of the following consonant closure. In particular, the /s/ duration is shorter and the consonant closure is longer. It is our hope that the new light shed on this phenomenon will further inform teaching practice for those working with Arabic ESL learners, while also sparking further discussion and research in the inter-language research community. iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Praise and glory be to Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful. I could never have achieved what I have achieved without God’s guidance and help. I would like to thank all the people who made important contributions to the successful realisation of this thesis. First and foremost, I am deeply indebted to my advisor, Dr. Peter Heffernan, for his academic help and personal support. Dr. Heffernan’s commitment, encouragement and invaluable advice were a great motivation to me during my studies. I would like also to express my gratitude to my research committee; they generously shared their expertise in applied linguistics with me and constantly offered their support to my study. My deep appreciation is due to Dr. Inge Genee for the continuous support she offered during my study and for her valuable feedback and comments. My deep appreciation is also due to Dr. Nicole Rosen who shared hours assisting me on using Praat software and acoustic analysis. Without my committee’s help and belief in me, I could not have developed fully my confidence in my abilities as a researcher and for that I am truly grateful. I extend my warmest greetings and thanks to my beloved family; my husband Awfa, who has always been there for me; he has always been patient, supportive, cooperative and understanding. Delightful thanks to my cute, beloved little children: Rama, Noor and Sanad, for their patience and understanding, especially during the long nights and many missed weekends.