The acquisition of L2 English complex onsets by L1 Farsi speakers

Much previous work has shown that sibilant-initial complex onsets (SC onsets) differ in their typological, phonological, articulatory, and acquisitional properties from other onsets. The exact mechanism(s) underlying these differences are poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the acquisition and production of L2 English complex onsets by L1 Farsi speakers, focusing on differences between SC onsets and other onset types. Results from an experimental study corroborate past reports that Farsi speakers repair most SC onsets using epenthesis before the cluster and other onsets using epenthesis into the cluster. The results also support the claim that SC onsets are more difficult to produce and are acquired more slowly than other onsets. A phonological modeling study suggests that the epenthesis asymmetries observed in the experimental study are best accounted for by a pressure to maximize perceptual similarity to the unepenthesized forms. We close with speculation on how the variegated behavior of SC onsets can be given a holistic explanation under a perceptual account.