Task effect on L2 rhythm production by Cantonese learners of Portuguese

ABSTRACT This study examines L2 Portuguese speech produced by eight native Cantonese speakers from Macao, China. The aims of this are to investigate (1) whether the rhythm in is more source-like (more similar Cantonese) or target-like Portuguese), and (2) differs across three different tasks: a reading task, retelling an interpreting task. Seven metrics, i.e., %V, ΔC, ΔV, VarcoC, VarcoV, rPVI_C, nPVI_V, were adopted for comparison investigation. results showed that differed L1 speakers’ rhythm. R-deletion vowel epenthesis reasons variabilities instabilities production learners, as they affect duration number intervals consonantal intervals. Moreover, learners’ production, semi-spontaneous tasks (retelling interpreting) presented significant difference driving force such was cognitive load behind tasks.