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Lexical frequency as a scalar variable in explaining variation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 June 2016

Richard J. File-Muriel
Richard J. File-Muriel*
Affiliation:
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
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Abstract

This study examines the relationship between lexical frequency and s-lenition in Barranquillero Spanish, looking at lexical frequency as a scalar variable. A quantitative analysis of /s/ in words of different lexical frequencies, in which productions from a reading task were submitted to auditory acoustical analysis, reveals that the single most important factor in s-lenition is lexical frequency. Speakers tend towards a full articulation of /s/ in low-frequency words, while weakening it in high-frequency words. This study addresses three questions: Do subtle differences in lexical frequency influence how sounds are produced synchronically? What are the advantages of considering lexical frequency in scalar terms as opposed to a categorical variable (high vs. low-frequency)? What is the relationship between lexical frequency and other linguistic factors?

Résumé

Résumé

Cette étude examine le rapport entre la fréquence lexicale et l’atténuation du /s/ en espagnol barraquillero, tout en considérant la fréquence lexicale comme une variable scalaire. Une analyse quantitative du /s/ dans des mots de différentes fréquences lexicales au cours de laquelle des productions provenant d’un exercice de lecture ont été soumises à une analyse auditive, révèle que le facteur le plus important est la fréquence lexicale. Les locuteurs ont tendance à articuler complètement le /s/ dans les mots de basse fréquence, alors qu’ils l’atténuent dans les mots de haute fréquence. Cette étude considère trois questions: Est-ce que des différences minimes dans la fréquence lexicale influencent la façon dont les sons sont produits synchroniquement? Quels sont les avantages de considérer la fréquence lexicale en termes scalaires plutôt que comme catégorie variable (haute fréquence par opposition à basse fréquence)? Quel est le rapport entre la fréquence lexicale et les autres facteurs linguistiques?

Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Linguistics/Revue canadienne de linguistique , Volume 55 , Issue 1 , March 2010 , pp. 1 - 25
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Linguistic Association/Association canadienne de linguistique 2010 

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