L2 speech perception is critical for second language (L2) learners in mastering English phonology. One technique for improving L2 speech perception is High Variability Phonetic Training (HVPT), which incorporates multiple talkers and presents target phonemes in diverse phonetic contexts. This study examines HVPT's effects on L2 perception, L2 production, and Phonological Working Memory (PWM) in 25 elementary school 3rd graders in South Korea, an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. Participants underwent nine HVPT sessions on 14 high functional load consonant pairs. The results indicated large effects of post-training improvements in L2 perception, L2 production, and PWM. There was no observed generalization to untargeted phonemes or phonetic contexts. Different patterns were evident according to learners' listening proficiency level. A stronger correlation was observed between perception and production after HVPT. These findings highlight the potential of perception-focused HVPT in improving phonological skills in elementary EFL learners, expanding the understanding of HVPT for pronunciation training, which has with few exceptions focused on adult learners.
Lee et al. (Sat,) studied this question.