ABSTRACT
This chapter looks into the question of phonological transfer, which can occur in different groups of language users and proceed not only from one’s mother tongue (L1) to the second language (L2) but also vice versa. At the same time, some language users need to be characterized by an excellent ability to “keep the phonologies” of two languages “apart.” These groups include simultaneous interpreters in whom the constant activation and inhibition of two languages needs to be good enough to ensure, on the one hand, source language understanding and, on the other hand, perfect production in the target language. The study presented in this chapter investigates whether the native phonology (VOT and rhythm pattern) of professional simultaneous interpreters may be affected by the phonology of the speaker (i.e., the phonology of the interpreters’ L2). The study sample included 40 professional interpreters who were engaged in free speaking (in L1), reading (in L1), and interpreting (from L2 to L1) where VOT and rhythm were tested. The results revealed that interpreters’ native speech may be subject to L2-to-L1 transfer.
