Spanish accusative clitics: Latino dual language learners in an English environment
Description
Spanish-speaking (SS) dual language learners (DLLs) have shown differential developmental profiles of the native language (L1). The current study examined whether or not the Spanish acquisition profile, specifically accusative clitics, in predominantly SS, Latino children continues to develop in an English-language contact situation. This study examined (1) accuracy rates of clitic production, total substitutions, and total omissions across 5-, 6-, and 7-year-olds; (2) accuracy rates of clitic production, total substitutions, and total omissions across low and high English proficiency groups; and (3) whether or not there was a trend to use the default clitic lo in inappropriate contexts. Seventy-four SS children aged 5;1 to 7;11 participated in a clitic elicitation task. Results indicated non-significant effects of age and proficiency level on the accuracy of clitic production. These results suggest dual language learners are in an environment that does not foster the maintenance of the L1, at least in the accuracy of accusative clitic pronouns.
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)
2012
Agent
- Author (aut): Figueroa, Megan Danielle
- Thesis advisor (ths): Restrepo, María A
- Committee member: Gelderen, Elly van
- Committee member: Ingram, David
- Publisher (pbl): Arizona State University