The Introduction of the Glides [i] and [w] as an Attempt to Implement the Pronunciation of the Dutch Vowels [e], [y] and [o] by Polish Learners Cover Image

De invoeging van de glijklanken [j] en [w] als poging tot spanningimitatie bij de uitspraak van de Nederlandse klinkers [e], [y] en [o] door Poolstalige leerders
The Introduction of the Glides [i] and [w] as an Attempt to Implement the Pronunciation of the Dutch Vowels [e], [y] and [o] by Polish Learners

Author(s): Zuzanna Czerwonka-Wajda
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Theoretical Linguistics, Phonetics / Phonology
Published by: Towarzystwo Naukowe KUL & Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II
Keywords: phonetics; pronunciation; Dutch; tense vowels; glides; pronunciation teaching

Summary/Abstract: The paper addresses the problem of the pronunciation of [e], [o] and [y] by Polish learners of Dutch. Next to a simple substitution of the three tense Dutch vowels by (lax) Polish vowels it can frequently be noted that an extra glide [j] or [w] is being added after the Polish vowel. The detailed analysis reveals that frequency of the vowel+glide combination differs and that the epenthesis of glides is correlated with learners’ level of Dutch (it starts around the A2 level). Adding the glide may therefore be seen as an attempt to imitate tension (as tension is not a distinctive feature in Polish) and proof of development of perception and pronunciation skills.

  • Issue Year: 68/2020
  • Issue No: 5S
  • Page Range: 155-167
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Dutch