Development of timing patterns in first and second languages

The study compares the development of rhythmic patterns in first language (L1) and second language (L2) acquisition. Using a longitudinal design, we compared rhythmic patterns at different ages in L1 acquisition and at different proficiency levels in L2 acquisition. Speech samples of four children and four adult learners of English were selected from two publicly available corpora (CHILDES and ESF). Speech rhythm was analysed using interval-based rhythm metrics. The results show similarities in the rhythm development in both L1 and L2 acquisition: In both groups, speech production develops from more syllable-timed patterns towards more stress-timed patterns. In the end, we outline pedagogical recommendations to ensure that L2 learners acquire the rhythmic patterns of the target language.