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Article published In:
Languages in Contrast
Vol. 21:2 (2021) ► pp.250–274

Vocative melodies in Spanish and English

A cross-linguistic analysis

ORCID logo | West Virginia University , U.S.A.

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.

Keywords: vocatives, intonation, formality, sociopragmatics, English/Spanish
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Methods
  • 3.Results
  • 4.Discussion and conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 2 February 2021
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/lic.19023.rob
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