Perception and Production of Acoustical Contrast for Pharyngeal Fricatives in Nonnative Learners: A Training Effect Supported by Embodied-Based Training

PURPOSE: Perceiving and producing nonnative phonemes pose challenges in second language (L2) acquisition for adult speakers. This study examined the impact of articulatory-based or arbitrary whole-body movements on French speakers' perception and production of Arabic phonemes /ʕ/ and /ħ/. METHOD: In Experiment 1, participants performed movements either related or unrelated to the target phonemes. In Experiment 2, participants observed these movements, without performing them. In both experiments, a No Body Movement (NoMov) group (serving as the control) received no movement training. Speech perception was assessed using a discrimination task in noise, and production was evaluated through a repetition task. Performance was measured at pretest, posttest, and 1 week after training. RESULTS: In Experiment 1, actively performing the movements improved both perception and production of the Arabic phoneme /ʕ/, regardless of movement type. However, Experiment 2 did not replicate these benefits: Observing the same movements did not lead to perceptual or production improvements, as there was no advantage for the movement groups over the NoMov control group. CONCLUSIONS: Actively performing whole-body movements may enhance L2 phoneme learning, improving perception and production, regardless of movement type. These findings highlight the value of embodied learning and active body engagement in L2 phoneme acquisition.