Accents and Attitudes. Investigating the Heritage Accent: Insights from Bilingual Heritage Speakers of Russian in Finland

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Abstract

The current study investigates the “heritage accent” in 24 bilingual heritage speakers of Russian in Finland as well as the attitudes of heritage speakers towards accents. A foreign accent rating study was conducted to assess the phonetic production in three groups of heritage speakers: late bilinguals, early sequential bilinguals, and simultaneous bilinguals. 20 raters judged the accent and described perceived non-native features. Results show a wide range of individual variation in phonetic production in both languages. The majority of simultaneous bilinguals were reported to have an accent in Russian, while early sequential and late bilinguals were perceived as being close to Russian native speakers. The perceivable accent was detected in the dominant Finnish language in all three groups. However, despite the existence of the “non-native” accent in Russian and Finnish, it was reported to be minor or “weak”. The study also provides evidence on heritage speakers’ attitudes towards foreign accents.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFamily and School Involvement in Multilingual Education and Heritage Language Development
EditorsSviatlana Karpava
Place of PublicationThe Netherlands
PublisherBrill
Chapter9
Pages221–239
Number of pages19
ISBN (Electronic)978-90-04-70232-5
ISBN (Print)978-90-04-70230-1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Sept 2024
Publication typeA3 Book chapter
EventMultidisciplinary Approaches to Migration and Multilingualism (MAMM2022) - University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Duration: 22 Oct 202223 Oct 2022
https://mamm2022.wordpress.com

Publication series

NameLanguage Learning and Multilingualism
PublisherBrill
Volume4
ISSN (Electronic)2772-6401

Conference

ConferenceMultidisciplinary Approaches to Migration and Multilingualism (MAMM2022)
Abbreviated titleMAMM2022
Country/TerritoryCyprus
CityNicosia
Period22/10/2223/10/22
Internet address

Keywords

  • heritage speakers – heritage accent – accent rating – Russian – Finnish

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 3

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