Perception of the Varieties of Spanish by Students of Spanish Language and Literature at the University of Zagreb

Authors

  • Maša Musulin University of Zagreb
  • Metka Bezlaj University of Zagreb

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4312/vh.24.1.87-108

Keywords:

linguistic varieties, standard language, norm, Spanish, University Studies of Spanish Language

Abstract

In 2016 a survey was carried out among students of Spanish Language and Literature at the University of Zagreb. The survey consisted of two parts and in this work we present the data obtained by the questionnaire, in which the students’ sociolinguistic knowledge of the Spanish language and its varieties was ascertained. The questionnaire was completed anonymously and voluntarily by 154 participants. The results showed that the Zagreb students recognize, among all the varieties of Spanish, the one from Madrid as the representative and the most identifiable, which can be explained by the fact that Spain is a European country and, therefore, much more accessible for Croatian students but also because of the influence of the RAE and its lexicographical works that predominate in the teaching of Spanish. A certain percentage of the questioned students believe that there is a less correct variety of Peninsular Spanish – Andalusian. The results also show the influence not only of the linguistic knowledge obtained during studies but furthermore the attitudes towards certain varieties. It is noted that Croatian students acquire not only the language but also sometimes the attitudes and stereotypes that generally exist among Spaniards. That means that the attitudes towards certain varieties are not necessary the result of their own evaluation but the stereotypes reflected by the greater contact with Spain and Spaniards.

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Author Biographies

Maša Musulin, University of Zagreb

Maša Musulin trabaja desde 2011 en la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras de la Universidad de Zagreb, Croacia, donde imparte Lexicología y lexicografía españolas, Variedades sociolingüísticas y dialectales del español, Estudios hispánicos dentro del marco de la lingüística románica y general y Formación de palabras en el español contemporáneo. En 2014 defendió su tesis de doctorado titulada Descripciones contrastivas de los sistemas fonológicos de las variedades estándar de la lengua española. Ha publicado varios artículos y participado en diferentes congresos internacionales. Sus ámbitos de interés son fonología, lingüística aplicada y lenguas de herencia.

Metka Bezlaj, University of Zagreb

Metka Bezlaj está cursando su último año de máster en Lengua y Literatura Españolas y Francesas en la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras de la Universidad de Zagreb, Croacia. Actualmente se encuentra preparando su tesis de máster. Dicha investigación examina los infinitivos en español y en francés desde una óptica comparativa. Además de la lingüística comparativa, se interesa por la sociolingüística y la lingüística de corpus. Trabaja como estudiante asistente en su facultad de origen y tiene experiencia como enseñante en una academia de idiomas.

Published

29.12.2016

How to Cite

Musulin, M., & Bezlaj, M. (2016). Perception of the Varieties of Spanish by Students of Spanish Language and Literature at the University of Zagreb. Verba Hispanica, 24(1), 87–108. https://doi.org/10.4312/vh.24.1.87-108

Issue

Section

Linguistics