Vocative melodies in Spanish and English
A cross-linguistic analysis
This study aims to describe the melodic contours used in Spanish and English calling vocatives in order to identify
cross-linguistic similarities and differences. Additionally, it also explores how the sociopragmatic factor of formality may
condition contour choices in both languages. 18 speakers of Spanish and 18 speakers of English produced a total of 432 one-word
vocatives in formal and informal situations. The analyses of the F0 contours revealed that, although Spanish and English share
multiple melodies in this speech act (e.g. L+H* L%, L* H% and L+H* !H%), some tones are language-specific (e.g. L+H* HL% for
Spanish). In addition, a General Linear Mixed Model confirmed that these contours are not equally attested in all contexts and
that the formality of the situation can condition their use.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Methods
- 3.Results
- 4.Discussion and conclusion
- Acknowledgements
- Notes
-
References
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Cited by (1)
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► pp. 284 ff.
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