The effect of visual cues in the perception of nonnative contrasts

Abstract

This article reviews and discusses some of the factors that may affect anaccurate identification of second language sounds as well as two currentmodels of speech perception: the Speech learning Model and the NativeLanguage Magnet. Then, this article reviews and discusses some studies thatinvestigate the effect of visual cues in the perception of nonnative contrasts bysecond language learners, specially the ones investigating the perception ofBrazilian learners of English (Kluge, Reis, Nobre-Oliveira & Bettoni-Techio,2009; Kluge, 2009). In general, the studies show the importance of visual inputin the perception of nonnative contrasts, especially in the perception of thevisually distinctive ones.