Phonological Variability in the Laboratory

Abstract

This study employs a controlled experimental word-naming paradigm to probe variable bidialectal speech production. We focus on bidialectal Andalusian/Standard Peninsular Spanish speakers and focus on the variable production of three distinctive Andalusian processes not found in the standard variety: coda obstruent aspiration, final liquid deletion, and final /n/-velarization. Statistical analyses reveal that the three processes pattern distinctly, with aspiration exhibiting the most variability, /n/-velarization most frequently produced, and final liquid deletion least likely to be produced. Additionally, regression analyses reveal a non-significant trend in which forms produced with Andalusian phonology exhibit faster reaction times. Methodologically, our study shows that traditional psycholinguistic methods can be extended to the exploration of the mental representation of speakers of multiple dialects and that controlled laboratory conditions can serve as a window on variability in speech production, complementing traditional naturalistic data collection.