Exploring variables affecting vowel sequences across word boundaries in Peninsular Spanish

João Paulo Moraes Lima dos Santos

doi:10.1344/efe-2025-34-1-20

Authors

João Paulo Moraes Lima dos Santos Instituto Federal do Sertão Pernambucano https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8233-4236

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1344/efe-2025-34-1-20

Keywords:

vowel sequences, word boundaries, sandhi, hiatus, Peninsular Spanish

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of variables that can influence the behavior of vowel sequences across word boundaries in Peninsular Spanish. The analyses have been conducted using the following variables: vowel type, syllable type, word type, articulation rate, stress, and the position of the sequence in the utterance. Results show that combinations with stress favor maintenance when considering the main accent of the utterance and the sequence’s position at the utterance boundary. On the other hand, vowel type, syllable type, and word type have presented fewer effects than stress on the preference to maintain the hiatus or contract it in any way, as there was a tendency for sandhi in almost all types of combinations. Lastly, articulation rate has shown higher rates correlating with increased likelihoods of sequence contraction.

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Exploring variables affecting vowel sequences across word boundaries in Peninsular Spanish

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