English lexical stresses in non-native speech under adverse conditions

The Lombard effect is well documented in the literature on speech production in noise in various languages, but relevant research on non-native speech production is scarce. The present study examined the effects of noise on English lexical stresses produced by Cantonese second-language speakers of English (ESL speakers). Results show distinct patterns in maintaining lexical stress contrasts in trisyllabic words by ESL and native speakers of English. Our findings confirm the Lombard effect in ESL speech production in noise. Patterns of phonetic modifications appear language-specific, which may be attributed to ESL speakers’ limited experience in second-language communication under adverse conditions and also to influences of their first-language phonology.