Individual Differences, Proficiency and Consonant Type in Korean Learners’ Production of English Word-Final Contrasts

Abstract

This study examines Korean L2 learners’ production of English phonological contrasts (e.g., consonant-final versus vowel-final forms) that are absent in their L1. Twenty university students divided into high-and low-proficiency groups participated in the study. Their productions were analyzed for segmental accuracy and error patterns. Results showed that proficiency significantly influenced production accuracy, with high-proficiency learners outperforming the low-proficiency group. Both groups exhibited the persistent influence of L1 phonology by incorrectly pronouncing the word-final contrasts which are not attested in their L1. The type of consonant involved affected the difficulty and error patterns. Substantial individual variation was observed within each group, with some learners employing L1-based or consonant-specific strategies while others demonstrated partial mastery of specific contrasts. The findings highlight the dynamic interplay among proficiency, consonant type, and individual variation, demonstrating that L2 production patterns emerge from the interaction of these factors. The findings underscore the need to move beyond traditional proficiency-based ELT curricula to consider individual variation such as learner-specific cognitive variables, strategies and error types.