First-Language Phonetic Drift of Yemeni Arabic Stops

This study aims at examining the occurrence and direction of any phonetic interlanguage interference among Yemeni Arabic-English bilinguals by indicating acoustic similarities differences L1 Arabic stops produced comparing it to monolinguals. It investigates Voice Onset Time in initial medial position as well Preceding Vowel Duration position. A total 60 native subjects were involved this study. Thirty late with English their L2 whereas other 30 Data was collected through two production tests: one for bilingual group monolingual group. All asked produce a list words target /b, t, d, k/ word-initial word-medial Each subject both samples recorded individually. The showed significantly longer mean values than monolinguals /t, they voiced d/ that very close However, shorter Duration, but difference not significant. findings reveal signs English-induced drift pronunciation realisation d/. provides conclusive evidence characteristics can systematically affect matured phonological systems even bilinguals.