Model Speaker Identity Effect on Iraqi EFL Learners’ Phonetic Convergence

Learners of a language often adapt their pronunciation in response to who they are speaking to in a linguistic phenomenon called phonetic convergence. This study examined Iraqi EFL learners pronunciation in three different tasks. More specifically, the study measured voice onset time (VOT) values in different phonetic contexts; a baseline, after a native model, and after a non-native model. VOT is different between Arabic and English as Arabic is a non-aspiration language; while English is. The study hypothesized that learners accommodate their pronunciation in response to what they listen to. Hence, the study attempted to identify if the identity of the model, being native or non-native, affects learners pronunciation. To achieve this aim, VOT values were measured via PRAAT and compared via SPSS tests to identify any possible convergence strategies in the pronunciation of learners towards the models. The results of Independent samples Tests and correlation values showed that learners tended to act in response to both native and non-native speakers. Learners were more correlated with the native model supporting speaker's identity effect. The study recommended that English language teachers and EFL learners should seek innovative techniques through which they can compensate for the inadequacy of having non-native teachers with accented pronunciation.