This study reports an exploratory analysis of the acoustic characteristics of second language (L2) speech which give rise to the perception of a foreign accent. Japanese speech samples were collected from American English and Mandarin Chinese speakers ( n = 16 in each group) studying Japanese. The L2 participants and native speakers ( n = 10) provided speech samples modeling after six short sentences. Segmental (vowels and stops) and prosodic features (rhythm, tone, and fluency) were examined. Native Japanese listeners ( n = 10) rated the samples with regard to degrees of foreign accent. The analyses predicting accent ratings based on the acoustic measurements indicated that one of the prosodic features in particular, tone (defined as high and low patterns of pitch accent and intonation in this study), plays an important role in robustly predicting accent rating in L2 Japanese across the two first language (L1) backgrounds. These results were consistent with the prediction based on phonological and phonetic comparisons between Japanese and English, as well as Japanese and Mandarin Chinese. The results also revealed L1-specific predictors of perceived accent in Japanese. The findings of this study contribute to the growing literature that examines sources of perceived foreign accent.

What are the characteristics of non-native speech and what contributes to the perception of foreign accent by native speakers? In this study, two experiments are conducted to characterize the acoustic features of non-native Japanese production and to examine how these non-native features influence native Japanese perception of foreign accent. In the production experiment, stop consonants and vowel formants were compared between native Japanese speakers and English speakers with 2 and 4 yr of Japanese instruction. The second experiment examines native listener judgments of foreign accent using a visual analog scale. Preliminary analysis reveals that in both stop consonant and vowel production, learners vary considerably from native speakers, specifically in the production of /k/ and /t/ voice onset time, F1 of /e/, and F2 of /u/ and /i/. These features are correlated with judgment ratings by native Japanese listeners. The findings reveal that even after significant experience in the L2 classroom, speakers still struggle to achieve native-like production of various segments, offering insight into specific problem areas which native English speakers might encounter when learning Japanese pronunciation.

Dear Reader, It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the inaugural issue of the Oregon Undergraduate Research Journal, the University of Oregon's student-run, open access, peerreviewed scholarly publication. The OUR Journal student editorial board has worked for months to produce this first issue and to create a platform for showcasing exceptional undergraduate research. In creating a publication that makes undergraduate research more accessible to students, my hope is that OUR Journal becomes a symbol for what is possible. The value of higher education lies in its ability to spark excitement and intellectual curiosity, and yet few students have the opportunity to explore those passions beyond the term-by-term grind of classes and grades. Students have the right to know that research is not just possible, but a powerful, formative part of the university experience. Beyond this, it is important to stress that research can be valuable to readers when it is published and shared. In this way, I believe OUR Journal will not only stand to honor achievement, but also to encourage it.

We are always in flux. Our identities are constantly shaped by forces within and around us; our jobs, our relationships, our inner desires. It is with this idea in mind that I welcome you, with great excitement, to the second edition of the Oregon Undergraduate Research Journal. In this issue, you will explore questions of identity, change, and complex negotiations between the self and the other.In "Abject by Gender and Race," Iida Pollanen artfully discusses race, gender, and colonization and its effect on the identity of Antoinette Cosway in Jane Rhys' novel, Wide Sargasso Sea. Lauren Goss, in her article, "The Cost of Gender Equity: Title IX at the University of Oregon," further delves into the complexities of gender imbalances by exploring the repercussions of Title IX on intercollegiate athletics and sports administration at the UO. Finally, we are captivated by Modernist artist and poet Mina Loy's examination of her identity and ancestry in Jordan Gregory's article, "A Curse on Your Ancestors." Each work, written by an undergraduate at the University of Oregon, is not only an example of exceptional research produced on our campus, but a reminder of the inward and outside forces that shape life's experiences.Of course, journals too are subject to evolution. In this publication, you will notice several additions to the layout as well as a new journal section. We are honored to present an editorial written by Dr. Karen Sprague, the Vice Provost of Undergraduate Studies and a professor of Biology. We are also excited to include UO artist Mikaela Corney's print, "Lavender and Honey," as the cover art for this issue, along with her artist's statement. Editorial board members Alex Fus and Vishesh Khanna also collaborated to write our first student researcher spotlight, which showcases Jasmine Dickinson's work in neurobiology.As an undergraduate on the cusp of graduation and a new life abroad, this issue of the Oregon Undergraduate Research Journal reverberates sharply with my own questions of self. It also brings to mind the ever-changing nature of the Journal. Soon, the new chief editor will take the reins and guide OUR Journal toward new and exciting horizons. Just as you will witness the growth and change of the subjects in this publication, I look forward to watching the Journal develop and flourish in the following years. I have no doubt that this issue-so representative of the flux and fluidity of our lives-will resonate with all audiences. Thank you for reading.