Testing Cumulative Lexicalized Effects in Study Abroad: Variable Subject Pronoun Expression in Spanish as an Additional Language
We examine variable first-person singular subject pronoun expression in Spanish learner data to investigate the effects of study abroad in Mexico and Spain on the acquisition of sociolinguistic variation. In addition to exploring pre- and post-study abroad effects, this work considers whether such i...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Languages |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2226-471X/10/5/110 |
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| Summary: | We examine variable first-person singular subject pronoun expression in Spanish learner data to investigate the effects of study abroad in Mexico and Spain on the acquisition of sociolinguistic variation. In addition to exploring pre- and post-study abroad effects, this work considers whether such impacts wane over time after the study abroad experience. We include in the analyses novel usage-based factors estimating lexically specific usage patterns. We conduct a mixed-effects linear regression model predicting overt <i>yo</i> (‘I’) expression. Results indicate that overt <i>yo</i> expression is more likely after studying abroad (compared to pre-study abroad). Additionally, learners acquire a usage-based pattern of variation evident after the study abroad experience. This effect is not just apparent immediately after studying abroad, but it persists in data collected after a time delay. |
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| ISSN: | 2226-471X |