A study on the acquisition patterns of Korean alveolar fricatives by Vietnamese learners

This study analyzes Vietnamese learners' perception and production of the Kore an alveolar fricatives /ㅅ/ and /ㅆ/ overall, by proficiency level, and in word-initial and word-middle positions, providing foundational data for effective pronunciation education and making educational recommendations. The findings of the study are as follows: (1) Vietnamese learners had a low frequency of correct answers in the production of /ㅅ/ and in both the perception and production of /ㅆ/. (2) The cor rect answer rate for /ㅅ/ production was low across elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels, while the perception and production of /ㅆ/ were low at beginner and intermediate levels. (3) The correct answer rate was the lowest for /ㅅ/ in the word-initial position. (4) In terms of perception, word-initial /ㅅ/ was mastered at the intermediate level, word-initial /ㅅ/ at the beginner level, word-initial /ㅆ/ at the intermediate level, and word-initial /ㅆ/ at the advanced level, reaching a proficiency similar to that of native Korean speakers. (5) In terms of production, word-initial /ㅅ/ was acquired across all proficiency levels, word-initial /ㅅ/ and word-initial /ㅆ/ were acquired at the beginner level, and word-initial /ㅆ/ was ac quired at the advanced level, reaching a proficiency similar to that of native Korean speakers. These results indicate the importance of (1) providing education on the phonological system and the differences in articulation methods between L1 and L2 when necessary, (2) offering listening training focused on speech perception when required, and (3) delivering intensive education on L2 articulation skills and practice methods when needed. It is significant that these educational measures are categorized based on specific needs.