The book discusses various arguments for and against Critical Period Hypothesis for the acquisition of foreign language native-like pronunciation. The research described in the book encompassed adult learners of English and Polish, some of whom mastered the pronunciation in such a way that they managed to pass off as native speakers of the target language. Various factors were examined in order to show their contribution to the ultimate success of the learners such as a learning setting, a length in learning and a training in foreign language phonology/phonetics.

Autorentext

The Author: Mägorzata Jedynak obtained her Ph.D. degree in 2004. She works as an academic in a Department of English Studies at the University of Wroc aw, Poland. Her research interests encompass the acquisition of phonology and phonetics by L2 learners and various aspects related to the acquisition of foreign languages by the visually impaired learners.

Inhalt

Contents : Lateralisation and Critical Period - Neurolinguistic Arguments Concerning Critical Period - Cognitive Arguments Concerning Critical Period - Psychological and Environmental Arguments Concerning Critical Period - Other Arguments Concerning Critical Period - Studies Supporting the Critical Period Hypothesis - Studies Challenging the Critical Period Hypothesis - Empirical Findings of the Author - 'How to' Guide for Adult Learners - 'How to' Guide for Teachers.