Variation in first-generation L1 deictic systems: Language attrition and bilingualism effects

Vulchanova, Mila, Collier, Jacqueline, Guijarro-Fuentes, Pedro and Vulchanov, Valentin (2023) Variation in first-generation L1 deictic systems: Language attrition and bilingualism effects. International Journal of Bilingualism, 27 (1). pp. 104-121. ISSN 1367-0069

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Abstract

Aims and Objectives: This study explored the extent to which bilingual language exposure and practice might alter the way in which bilingual first-generation adult speakers use deictic demonstratives in their first language (Spanish) after immersion in a new language environment (Norwegian). Fully developed L1 systems are expected to be stable and less susceptible to change or restructuring than child systems. In addition, core domains of a language such as deictic demonstrative reference are hypothesized to be more robust. Design: Participants were tested with the Spanish version of the memory game. They completed an ethnolinguistic background questionnaire with questions targeting demographic data, experience with language, and daily routines in language use. Data and analyses: Demonstrative use was analysed using binomial multilevel modelling, allowing residual variance to be partitioned into a between-participant component and a within-participant component. Findings: Results demonstrate a shift in the demonstrative system of Spanish native speakers who have resided in Norway for a median of 6.5 years. This shift is reflected in extensive use of the semantically underspecified item ese at the expense of the form aquel. The latter form is less frequent and highly context-dependent in corpora of the modern language. It can be hypothesized that first-generation speakers are faster in converging on a simplified system of deictic reference than the native speaker group tested in Spain, but this development parallels tendencies observed in the monolingual variety of the language. This faster shift may well be influenced and catalysed by bilingual language practice. Originality: This article addresses a gap in research on deictic terms under conditions of language attrition. It documents a restructuring of the deictic system in first-generation speakers of Spanish residing in another country. The results suggest that marking peri-personal space is a core feature of deictic systems across languages, also preserved under deictic system shift.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Funding Information: Work on this study has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions grant agreement No 676063.
Uncontrolled Keywords: language attrition,norwegian,spanish,bilingualism,deictic systems,demonstrative pronouns,education,language and linguistics,linguistics and language ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3304
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Related URLs:
Depositing User: LivePure Connector
Date Deposited: 06 May 2022 03:58
Last Modified: 08 Feb 2023 09:30
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/84902
DOI: 10.1177/13670069221078610

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