Speech Fluency Production and Perception in L1 (Slovak) and L2 (English) Read Speech.

This article investigates the relationship between speech fluency production and perception in native (L1 Slovak) and non-native (L2 English) read speech, focusing on how individual L1 speaking style influences perceived L2 fluency and oral assessment. Using recordings of 57 Slovak undergraduate students reading texts in both languages and fluency ratings by 15 Slovak-native English teachers, the study analyzes acoustic measures such as articulation rate, pause frequency, and pause location (between-clause vs. mid-clause). Key findings reveal that articulation rate and pause patterns predict fluency ratings differently in L1 and L2: between-clause pauses and articulation rate more strongly affect L2 fluency perception, while overall pause frequency and mid-clause pauses impact L1 ratings more. The study suggests that mid-clause pausing is a promising L2-specific fluency indicator less influenced by individual L1 speaking style, highlighting the potential of combining production and perception measures for more reliable L2 oral proficiency assessment and supporting the use of read speech as a complementary tool alongside spontaneous speech in language teaching contexts.