Phonological Differences Across Varieties of Latin American Spanish

Abstract

Latin America is a diverse linguistic landscape, evident in the extensive phonological variations within its dominant language, Spanish. This study explores the phonological diversity across Latin American Spanish dialects, including processes such as lateralization and weakening of the /ɾ/ and /l/ phonemes, elisions and reductions of the /s/ consonant, and changes in nasal sounds (/n/, /m/, and /ɲ/) within specific linguistic contexts. Understanding these linguistic differences fosters a fresh perspective on Latin Americans from diverse backgrounds. The study considers demographic and socioeconomic factors that shape these variations and their connection to shared historical and cultural aspects. Information from online corpora and previous studies on Latin American Spanish phonology identifies repetitive phonological processes, comparing them across dialects to determine commonalities and differences. Understanding these phonological processes is critical for dispelling stigmas and contributing to bilingual education, mainly in regions where Spanish is learned as a second language. Educators exposed to the diversity of Latin American Spanish can create inclusive learning environments that accommodate students from various backgrounds and dialects.