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
Disciplines
Publication Date
April 25, 2018
DOI
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) p. 59 - 87 ISSN: 2199-3386 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/avizia-long/1/