Vowel Acquisition of Southern Min, Mandarin, and English for University Students in Taiwan

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The aim of this article attempts to explore the similarities and differences among English vowels and the vowels of the languages spoken in Taiwan – Mandarin Chinese and Southern Min for University students in Taiwan. In addition, a target language could be acquired by comparing the similarities and differences with the mother tongue systematically to provide information for instructors, learners, and editors (Lado,1957). Consequently, what interactions and influences L1(Southern Min) and L2(Mandarin) made upon L3(English) vowel acquisition were also focused. Moreover, theoretical reflection of CAH, MDH, and SLM were also investigated in this study. This research involved a survey, comprised a questionnaire concerning the participants’ languages learning background and a practical comparison. 72 college students participated in the study. Result of this study showed interactions and influences L1 and L2 made upon L3 vowel acquisition. Moreover, the tongue position of male’s was further back and higher than of female’s when they pronounced the five vowels /i/, /u/, /o/, /a/, /e/ in all the three languages L1, L2 and L3. The oral cavity space used by female was larger than by male. These findings were similar to American adults’ result. To conclude, this study may be of importance in explaining the dynamic relationship between L1 and L2 made upon L3, as well as providing English teachers with a better understanding of how students can well distinguish the similarities and differences of vowels among L1, L2 and L3 for clear articulation, language acquisition and successful communication.