On the relationship between L2 pronunciation and culture Rob A. Martinsen and Scott M. Alvord The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between students' cul- tural sensitivity and changes in their pronunciation while abroad The relation- ship between L2 pronunciation in Spanish and cultural sensitivity is explored in the study-abroad context. A significant correlation is discovered between the students' score on the Inventory of Cross-cultural Sensitivity and improvements in the accuracy of their pronunciation as judged by a panel of native Spanish speakers. This study provides empirical evidence that cultural factors enhance language learning. Implications for teaching include the need to incorporate cultural education as a basic component of the language classroom. Keywords: Spanish, second language acquisition, cultural sensitivity, pronunciation, study abroad 1. Introduction The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between students' cul- tural sensitivity and changes in their pronunciation while abroad. Study abroad is often thought of as the surest way for students to improve their foreign or second language skills and gain critical skills and knowledge in dealing with people of other culttxres. Many studies have confirmed that students who go abroad tend to make more progress in improving their language skills than students who remain at home and attend classes on campus (e.g., Segalowitz and Freed, 2004; Freed, Segalowitz, and Dewey, 2004; Brecht, Ginsberg and Davidson, 1993; Hernández, 2010). However, even among participants of study abroad there are some who do not demonstrate significant gains in their language skills (Brecht et al., 1993; Freed et al., 2004; Segalowitz and Freed, 2004; Martinsen, 2010; Martinsen, 2011). Recent evidence has shown that cultural sensitivity is one of the factors that can predict improvements in students' overall language skills while abroad Spanish in Context 9:3 (2012), 443-465. DOI io.iO75/sic.9.3.O4mar ISSN 1571-0718 / E-issN 1571-0726 © John Benjamins Publishing Company