Drawing upon theoretical and methodological paradigms from speech science and applied
linguistics this study advances our understanding of the factors that constrain attainment and
assessment of second language pronunciation. Its innovative aspects are the inclusion of
unexplored language combinations and the triangulation of several research instruments. Speech
ratings by native speaker judges in combination with interviews suggest that assessment of
second language pronunciation entails a broad spectrum of influences. The work contributes to
the evidence against a simply construed critical period for phonological development and it
reveals insights into the social relativity of accent. Thus the myth that the native speaker
is a competent rater in all cases and always is deconstructed.
