Experimental Log: Spoken Language Acquisition

I am conducting an experiment into spoken language acquisition across the following languages, categorised by their rhythmic timing systems:

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1. Stress-Timed Languages

In these languages, the duration between stressed syllables is relatively constant, regardless of how many syllables are in between.

• German: (One year's tuition; last lesson in 1980).

• Dutch: (No experience).

• Arabic: (No experience; note: while often considered stress-timed, it possesses unique pharyngeal resonance).

• Irish: (No experience).

2. Syllable-Timed Languages

In these languages, each syllable takes up roughly the same amount of time, creating a "machine-gun" or melodic rhythm.

• French: ('O' Level, 1982).

• Spanish: (No experience).

• Italian: (No experience).

• Chinese: (No experience; note: also a tonal language, which adds a vertical dimension to the timing).

3. Mora-Timed Languages

A unique system where the timing is based on "morae" (sub-syllabic units) rather than full syllables.

• Japanese: (N4 2004 or 2005).