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Article published In: Revista Española de Lingüística Aplicada/Spanish Journal of Applied Linguistics
Vol. 35:1 (2022) ► pp.206–235

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Developing language attitudes in a second language

Learner perceptions of regional varieties of Spanish

ORCiD logo with link | San Diego State University
ORCiD logo with link | Indiana University
Published online: 5 April 2022
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/resla.20008.sch
Abstract
The current study explores the second language(L2) acquisition of subconsciously held language attitudes. Specifically, we determine whether L2 learners perceive differences between Spanish speakers of four geographic varieties and evaluate them differently, and if these perceptions change with proficiency. Following sociolinguistic methodological practices, we administered a verbal guise task to American English-speaking learners of Spanish from four university enrollment levels. We found that the learners differentially evaluated speakers of these regional varieties across dimensions of solidarity (kindness) and standardness (prestige). We observed development across levels in the evaluation of regional varieties for prestige, while differentiations in kindness ratings remained consistent across levels. We also show that, for our highest-level group, study abroad experience may contribute to patterns of subconscious evaluation. Although one would not expect L2 classroom learners to possess native-like subconscious attitudes, the present study is an essential step in understanding how such attitudes develop in L2 acquisition.
Resumen
El desarrollo de actitudes lingüísticas en una segunda lengua: Percepciones sobre variedades regionales del español
En este estudio se explora la adquisición de las actitudes lingüísticas en una segunda lengua (L2). Se investiga si los aprendices de L2 perciben diferencias entre hispanohablantes de cuatro variedades geográficas, si los evalúan de manera diferente y si sus percepciones cambian con mayor competencia en la L2. Empleando prácticas metodológicas de la sociolingüística, se administró una tarea de técnica imitativa a anglohablantes que cursaban cuatro niveles universitarios de español como L2. Se encontró que los aprendices evaluaron de manera diferente a los hablantes de las cuatro variedades regionales respecto a las dimensiones de solidaridad (amabilidad) y estandarización (prestigio). En cuanto al papel de la competencia, se aprecian cambios entre los niveles en las evaluaciones de prestigio, pero no en las de amabilidad. Además, en los aprendices de nivel más avanzado, la experiencia en un país hispanoparlante puede contribuir a los patrones de evaluación subconsciente. El presente estudio es un paso esencial para entender cómo se desarrollan estas actitudes lingüísticas subconscientes en una segunda lengua.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Background
    • 2.1Language attitudes
    • 2.2Second language attitudes
    • 2.3The current study
  • 3.Method
    • 3.1Verbal guise task
    • 3.2Dialect identification task
    • 3.3Language background and dialect contact questionnaire
    • 3.4Participants
  • 4.Results
    • 4.1Verbal Guise Results: kindness ratings
    • 4.2Verbal guise results: Prestige ratings
    • 4.3Study abroad and development of language attitudes
  • 5.Discussion
    • 5.1L2 Perceptions of speakers of Spanish from different geographic speaker groups
    • 5.2L2 Development of language attitudes: Proficiency level
    • 5.3L2 development of language attitudes: Study abroad
  • 6.Conclusions: Limitations and future research
  • Notes
  • References
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