Linguistics ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-29-2025

Abstract

This thesis examines (NG) variation in New Mexican English, defined as the variable pronunciation [ŋ]∼[ŋɡ] of words with a canonical form of /ŋ/ in word-medial and word-final contexts. It explores the social factors conditioning this variation, the effects of style-shifting and word context, and posits Spanish-English language contact as the source of the innovative [ŋɡ] form. While prior studies have characterized (NG) as both retention and innovation, this study argues that the variation represents an innovation stemming from substrate influence of Spanish phonology. Using the variationist method and a rapid and anonymous survey, it finds ethnicity and gender to be significant predictors, with higher rates of the innovative form associated with Hispanic ethnicity and female gender. Style-shifting is not significant. The study suggests that the innovation originated from Spanish phonotactic constraints, leading to the insertion of [ɡ] in Spanish-English bilinguals until eventually becoming a more widespread dialect feature.

Language

English

Keywords

sociolinguistics, new mexico, English, Spanish, languge contact

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Linguistics

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Department of Linguistics

First Committee Member (Chair)

Christian Koops

Second Committee Member

Naomi Shin

Third Committee Member

Rosa Vallejos-Yopán

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Available for download on Thursday, July 29, 2027

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