Investigating the effect of second language learning on the acquisition of a third language rhythm pattern

Language transfer helps in the acquisition of a second language (L2) when target L2 shares similarities with first (L1). We ask: Does proficiency an facilitate structurally similar L3? Or, does training any help L3 acquisition? investigated learners’ ability to reproduce rhythm novel L3, Indonesian, as function their exposure rhythm-similar (French) or rhythm-divergent (German). Twelve English-speaking students no college-level served control group; six 2nd-year French and 6 German group. All produced French, German, Indonesian sentences repetition task native speaker prompts. Listeners then rated similarity between that speaker. Interval-based metrics were also computed for sentences. groups better at than group based on ratings measures. They perceived producing Overall, results suggest learning may subsequent learning; effect is not limited transfer. [Work supported by NIH.]