Multiplexity in Exchange, Interactive, and Passive Networks, and Nativelike Accent Attainment in the Turkish Context

• In Event: Roundtable Session 111
  In Roundtable Session: Second Language Acquisition Across Multiple Contexts

Abstract

Studies have suggested that a high degree of socialization with the target language community leads to more successful learning (Lybeck, 2002; Schumann, 1978). However, Milroy’s (1987) social network theory indicates that socialization patterns are constituted by different structural relationships. This study addresses young Kurds’ socialization patterns and their acquisition of a Turkish accent. It explores density and multiplexity of participants’ exchange, interactive and passive Kurdish and Turkish-speaking networks across five native-like accent groups. Data from 121 middle/high school students include speech samples from a read-aloud test, questionnaires, interviews and observations. Results suggest significant variation in participants’ accents; participants with more Turkish-speaking networks received higher accent scores. Furthermore, participants with more native-like accents had more multiplex exchange and interactive Turkish-speaking networks.

Authors

• Laura J. Mahalingappa, Duquesne University

• Nihat Polat, Duquesne University