Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Segmentals (vowels and consonants) and suprasegmentals (prosodic aspects, such as stress, rhythm, tone, and intonation) are crucial components for effective oral communication. This entry provides an overview of how segmentals and suprasegmentals are learned in a second language (L2) and how various factors influence their learning in an L2. First, the entry defines what segmentals and suprasegmentals are and explains how they function and complement each other in oral communication. Second, the entry surveys how factors such as native language (L1) background, age of L2 learning, and language experience in both L1 and L2 can enhance or constrain the learning of L2 vowels, consonants, and prosodic aspects. Finally, the entry provides a brief overview of the role of laboratory training and instruction in enhancing the learning of segmentals and suprasegmentals in an L2.</jats:p>