Phonological Memory and L2 Production/Perception Accuracy = Phonological Memory and L2 Production/Perception Accuracy

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study examined the relationship between Korean learners`` phonological memory (PM) and production/perception accuracy of the word-final sound contrasts not observed in their L1. Korean learners`` production/perception accuracy of /∫/ vs. /∫i/, /t∫/ vs. /t∫i/, and /d□/ vs. /d□i/ was found to be significantly related to PM measured by an English-based nonword serial order recognition test. In particular, PM nonwords with shorter list lengths of 4 and 5 items illustrated a significant correlation with L2 production/perception accuracy. On the other hand, PM measured by an English word serial order recognition test did not show any significant correlation with L2 production/perception accuracy. These results manifest that PM measured by nonwords, free from the interference of familiarity or long-term memory, is a more reliable predictor of language learning. The effect of list length was found in PM. Thus, higher accuracy was attested with shorter list length. In addition, the effects of list length and L2 proficiency level were different in the word/nonword PM tests. With PM words, the high level learners exhibited higher PM capacities than the low level learners across all list lengths. However, with PM nonwords, there was a positive relationship only between the L2 proficiency level and shorter list lengths. High level learners showed better PM than low level learners when the cognitive demand is relatively lower.