Introduction

A major focus in L2 pronunciation research is the construct of foreign accent. Studies of the nature, causes and social consequences of accented speech have informed theoretical proposals about the phonetic learning process and have helped researchers to pinpoint sub-issues in pronunciation learning that merit detailed attention. Such research has also begun to influence pronunciation teaching, as can be seen in the current trend toward evidence-based practices. The papers selected for this volume survey controversies, methodologies and findings in the increasingly rich literature on L2 pronunciation, and provide a historical context in which to understand them.