Semester
Spring
Date of Graduation
2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
College
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Department
World Languages, Literatures and Linguistics
Committee Chair
Nicole Tracy-Ventura
Committee Co-Chair
Sergio Robles-Puente
Committee Member
William Justin Morgan
Abstract
The present study analyzed the use of regional phonemes by native-English speakers before and after spending a year abroad in either Spain or Mexico. The variables selected were the interdental voiceless fricative [θ] and the uvular voiceless fricative [χ], along with their variations. Semi-structured oral interviews were used to elicit data before their sojourn and at the end of their stay. Results show that many participants used [θ] and [χ] more after spending a year in Spain and participants preferred [s] and [h] after spending a year in Mexico. Data on social networks were collected throughout the study for the Spain participants, though results show there was no correlation to the use of regional phonemes. Though many participants had strong social networks during their sojourn, their L2 identity was more of a “temporary sojourner,” perhaps influenced by the ultimately multilingual study abroad experience.
Recommended Citation
Lindley, Katherine R., "Comparing Spanish L2 use of regional phonemes after study abroad in Spain and Mexico" (2021). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 8089.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/8089