Learners ’ Ethnic Group Affiliation and L2 Pronunciation Accuracy:

This article examines the relationship between ethnic group affiliation (one’s sense of belonging to a primary ethnic group) and second-language (L2) pronunciation accuracy defined here as native-like, nonaccented L2 speech or L2 speech that contains no first language (L1) influences. The study addressed these questions: (a) Is there a relationship between learners ’ L2 accent and ethnic group affiliation as perceived by fellow learners? (b) If such a relationship exists, what are its behavioural consequences? The studies reported in this article involved L2 learners from two ethnic groups (Francophone and Chi-nese in Quebec) in two different sociopolitical contexts (conflictual and nonconflictual) listening to fellow learners speak an L2 and estimating these learners ’ degree of ethnic group affiliation. Results revealed a relationship between learners ’ L2 accent and perceived affiliation to their home ethnic group, suggesting that learners treat their peers ’ L2 accent as an indicator of these peers ’ degree of ethni