Christine Shea (University of Iowa): ‘A Multimethod Study of Speech Perception and Language Experience in Yucatec Maya–Spanish Bilinguals’

Seminari del CLT

Divendres, 19 de juny de 2026
Hora 15:30
Aula 202, Facultat de Filosofia i Lletres

Abstract:
This study examines speech perception, language use, and language ideology among young-adult Yucatec Maya–Spanish bilinguals (n=32) in Yucatán, Mexico. Building on recent work, we conceptualize perception as gradient and shaped by linguistic experience. We adopt a multimethod approach integrating (a) Visual Analog Scaling (VAS) tasks assessing perception of tone (Maya), vowel duration (Maya), and voice onset time (VOT; Spanish); (b) egocentric social network measures of language use; and (c) qualitative analyses of language attitudes and identity.

Results show systematic differences across continua: tone elicited more gradient responses, whereas duration and VOT showed more categorical patterns. Gradiency was significantly associated with language experience, including Maya dominance and the proportion of Maya-speaking interlocutors, while consistency remained stable. Qualitative findings indicate that participants view Maya as central to identity but navigate institutional pressures that privilege Spanish. These findings support a view of speech perception as shaped by socially structured linguistic experience.