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In:Advancedness in Second Language Spanish: Definitions, challenges, and possibilities
Edited by Mandy R. Menke and Paul A. Malovrh
[Issues in Hispanic and Lusophone Linguistics 31] 2021
► pp. 171–192

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Chapter 8
An exploration of advanced-level learners’ verb choices in variable mood-distinction contexts

ORCiD logo with link | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Published online: 8 February 2021
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/ihll.31.08gud
Abstract
The current study builds on research on advanced-level Spanish and variable mood distinction (the subjunctive-indicative contrast) by exploring learners’ willingness to use both verbal moods in specific linguistic contexts that have been shown to be variable for a group of native speakers of Spanish. Namely, when presented with multiple verb forms that native speakers use in particular linguistic contexts, this investigation examines the extent to which graduate-level learners report that they are willing to use both subjunctive and indicative forms in these variable mood-distinction contexts. The results suggest that learners are more open to using both verbal moods when the linguistic context includes a lexical trigger of uncertainty and when they have lived in more than one Spanish-speaking country.
Article outline
  • Background
  • The current study
  • Method
    • Participants
    • Data collection
    • Data coding and analysis
  • Results and discussion
    • Verb forms
    • Task items
    • Individual variability
  • Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
References (33)
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