Unpacking the Possible Effects of Working Memory and English Proficiency on Nuclear Accent Perception and Production in Chilean Learners of English

Prosody is considered one of the most challenging aspects of second language (L2) speech acquisition. This study explores the role of working memory (WM) in the perception and production of English nuclear accent (NA) by L1 Spanish learners. It focuses on both default and non-default patterns of NA placement in English. Twenty-four participants from an English teacher education programme in Concepción, Chile—who had completed an English intonation course—took part in perception and production tests, a proficiency test, and a reading span task to assess WM. Results revealed that participants perceived default NA patterns more accurately, while their production was stronger for non-default patterns. An asymmetry between perception and production emerged, as no direct correlation between these skills was found. Proficiency showed weak positive correlations with most variables. In contrast, WM revealed weak negative correlations across several measures, suggesting that higher WM capacity may not enhance NA perception or production. These subtle trends challenge assumptions about the facilitating role of WM in L2 prosody and indicate the need for further research.