Abstract
With the -ra/-se-alternation of the subjuntivo imperfecto, the present study takes up a classic topic of Hispanic studies. The focus here, however, lies in the little-researched regional variation of this alternation in Spain, combined with an investigation of the sociolinguistic variables of gender, age and level of education, and their role in that alternation. For this purpose, we analyzed interview data from four cities (Madrid, Málaga, Santiago de Compostela, Valencia) taken from the Corpus del Proyecto para el estudio sociolingüístico del español de España y de América (PRESEEA). The results show significant differences between the locations with Madrid showing the highest use of -se-forms and a large variation between the interviewees, while in Santiago de Compostela the -ra-form predominates; intermediate values are attested for the rest. Regarding the sociolinguistic factors, a higher use of the generally rarer -se-form occurs among men, in the youngest age group and in the middle educational level. The study thus not only shows clear diatopic differences in the -ra/-se-alternation within Spain, but also provides indications of a trend towards a more frequent use of the -se-form among the younger generation.
The Routledge Hispanic Studies Companion to Colonial Latin America and the Caribbean (1492–1898), by Yolanda Martínez-San Miguel & Santa Arias (eds.)
