Article
Context of learning and second language development of Spanish vowels
Studies in Hispanic and Lusophone Linguistics
(2018)
Abstract
The present study explored development in Spanish vowel production during a short-term study abroad program. The production patterns of a group of learners studying abroad in a 4-week program in the Dominican Republic were compared in terms of overall vowel quality, tendency to diphthongize /e/ and /o/, and vowel duration to those of a similar group of learners studying in the at-home context. Results revealed no significant changes or differences between groups in vowel quality or diphthongization, but a significant improvement (i.e., reduction) in vowel duration for /a/, /o/, and /u/ for the at-home group only. Findings are discussed in relation to previous research, and areas for future research are outlined.
Keywords
- phonetic development,
- second language acquisition,
- Spanish,
- study abroad,
- vowels
Publication Date
May 1, 2018
DOI
10.1515/shll-2018-0003
Publisher Statement
This article was published in Studies in Hispanic and Lusophone Linguistics, volume 11, issue 1, 2018 by De Gruyter. The article can also be found online at this link: https://doi.org/10.1515/shll-2018-0003.
Citation Information
Avizia Y. Long, Megan Solon and Silvina Bongiovanni. "Context of learning and second language development of Spanish vowels" Studies in Hispanic and Lusophone Linguistics Vol. 11 Iss. 1 (2018) ISSN: 2199-3386 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/avizia-long/74/