Abstract
Growing evidence suggests a broad relationship between auditory and cognitive abilities and the rate and ultimate attainment of second language (L2) speech. However, little is known about how these abilities can lead to more target-like L2 speech perception, at different stages of language acquisition: interlanguage development (intermediate level) vs automatization stage (advanced). In the context of 51, post-pubertal Polish-English bilinguals with diverse proficiency in L2 (intermediate and advanced) and an extended immersion experience (LOR > 5 years), the current study set out firstly to investigate the link between auditory and cognitive abilities (auditory selective attention, phonological short-term memory [PSTM], declarative and procedural memory) and more precise L2 speech perception accuracy (vowels and consonants [VOT]). Secondly, we examined the inter-relationship between these abilities and participants’ biographical variables. According to the results procedural memory ability was the major factor determining more accurate vowel (p = .031) and VOT (p = .015) perception for the advanced group, while declarative memory (p = .045) seemed to support intermediate learners in more precise L2 speech perception. Moreover, more advanced learners’ more accurate vowel perception was also linked to better auditory selective attention (p = .020) skills which can be enhanced during the prolonged residence in L2 speaking country.