Vowel and consonant length in two non-native Ligurian varieties

A pilot study

Abstract

This pilot study investigates the realization of stressed vowel and post-stress consonant duration by two Southern Italian speakers of a Ligurian variety, Genoese and Intemelian respectively. A good approximation to native Ligurian duration patterns is achieved by both L2 speakers. However, our results suggest that the vowel length contrast is difficult to master by the non-native speaker of Genoese, especially in a less controlled context. Moreover, the younger native Ligurian speakers in the control group reveal a more complex pattern than expected, as far as consonant duration is concerned. The findings are discussed with reference to cross-linguistic patterns of vowel and consonant length acquisition in production and perception.