A quantitative analysis 0f word-final /r/-deletion in Brazilian Portugese

Authors

  • Walcir Cardoso McGill University

Abstract

This study provides a quantitative analysis for the process of word-final /r/-deletion in the dialect of Portuguese spoken in the city of Belem, in northern Brazil. Two linguistic and four extralinguistic factors are considered in the investigation, all of which have a significant effect on the outcome of the process. Within the framework of Optimality Theory (Prince & Smolensky 1993), I propose an analysis for the general variation patterns found in /r/-deletion, along the lines of Reynolds (1994) and Anttila (1997).

Author Biography

Walcir Cardoso, McGill University

I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Education (TESL Centre) [PhD in linguistics from McGill University]. I conduct SSHRC and FQRSC funded research in second language acquisition of phonology within an approach that combines insights from theoretical and applied linguistics. The practical goal of this research is to promote an effective and socially realistic pedagogy for the teaching of pronunciation. I am also interested in L2 acquisition mediated by computer technology, especially via the use of learner response systems (clickers) and other mobile technologies. I have authored numeous publications and I am a regular presenter at local and international conferences. I teach a variety of courses in the Department of Education (TESL and Applied Linguistics). These include: Phonology and its acquisition, computers in language learning, introduction to language studies, variationist second language acquisition, universal grammar and second language acquisition, and methodology. In 2007, I received two teaching awards: The Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (Concordia University), and the Teacher of Merit Award (Société pour la promotion de l'enseignement de l'anglais au Québec). In 2009, I was awarded the Concordia University Alumni Association (CUFA) Award for Excellence in Teaching. Prior to joining Concordia, I taught linguistic courses for both the Department of Linguistics at McGill University and the Department of Foreign Languages at Universidade Federal do Pará (Brazil). Outside of academia, I write about audio equipment for a specialized Brazilian magazine (Revista Áudio & Vídeo), work as a consultant for Lexicon Branding in the design and evaluation of brand names for adoption in the Brazilian market, play the clarinet and a MIDI player, and experience other worlds in the form of music, (visual, concrete) poetry, and cinema.

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Published

1999-07-23

How to Cite

Cardoso, W. (1999). A quantitative analysis 0f word-final /r/-deletion in Brazilian Portugese. Linguistica Atlantica, 21, 13–52. Retrieved from https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/la/article/view/22456

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Section

Articles