VOT in the Production of Initial Stops in Isolated Words by Slovenian Speakers of English

This study examines Voice Onset Time (VOT) in word-initial stops produced by six Slovenian (L1) students of English (L2) with C1/C2-level proficiency. Using acoustic and linear mixed-model analysis, the research compares the production of these stops in both languages. The results confirm Slovenian as a lead (for /b d g/) vs short-lag language (for /p t k/). In their L2 English, the speakers establish new phonetic categories by lengthening VOT in voiceless stops, reflecting the acquisition of aspiration characteristic of English. In contrast, the voiced series shows strong L1 transfer, as the speakers largely retain prevoicing instead of achieving the target short-lag realizations. The findings of this exploratory study indicate that the L2 English system functions as an upward-shifted version of the L1 Slovenian system: while the acquisition of aspirated /p t k/ is supported, the Slovenian prevoiced /b d g/ remain largely resistant to change, even in highly proficient L2 English speakers.