Assimilation in Connected Speech among Native English Speakers

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to investigate the native speakers' connected English speech and its phonetic features with particular reference to assimilation. Assimilation is a phonetic feature commonly found in the connected speech of English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners. This paper examines the use of assimilation in dialogues 20 American and British speakers of English following are the major findings of the study. (1) Dialogues of American speakers demonstrated 90% assimilation in target data set. (2) Dialogues of British speakers of speakers demonstrated 76.66% assimilation in the target data set. (3) Assimilation in both dialogues affected intelligibility of speech. The findings of this study can be used in the ELT (English Language Teaching) planning when speaking is targeted. The study recommendations touch on other important aspects pertaining to language acquisition like rhythm, intonation and tempo which would play a significant role in communication in English in the global context.