The Effects of Time Expansion on English as a Second Language Individuals

When speaking to second language learners, talkers often reduce their rate of speech to assist their listeners' understanding and comprehension. This study grants English as a Second Language subjects fine-grained, real-time control over the playback rates of lengthy audio tracks of conversational speech, and tests the subjects' listening comprehension at their desired playback speeds and at unmodified speeds. We find evidence that slower playback rates are preferred, but no evidence that such playback rates affect listener comprehension.