Spanish 413 (1): Contrastive Structures of Spanish and English
Term Paper
Each student in the course is required to write a short term paper, 6-7 pages, on the influence of language universals on the structuring of a second language phonology. Specifically, the students will review the literature that demonstrates that Spanish speakers variably insert an epenthetic vowel before English onsets of the form /sC(C)-/. However, the frequencies of epenthesis are different depending upon the exact composition of the /sC(C)-/ onsets.
Students could proceed by addressing the following points:
- Establish that Spanish and English differ on the onsets mentioned above.
- Demonstrate that Spanish speakers do in fact use epenthesis to resolve the problem with the English onsets.
- Review the the literature showing that different onsets trigger different frequencies of epenthesis.
- Discuss the reasons for the differing frequencies.
- Explain how markedness interacts with phonological environment to trigger certain frequencies of epenthesis.
- Create a list of /sC(C)-/ onsets from easiest to most difficult.
- Explain why your list is valid.
Students will be able to write their papers by attending lectures and by reading the articles under additional readings . Students should begin to read the articles early in the quarter.
The papers must adhere to APA format, be double spaced, and written in a size 12 font.
Students may write their papers in either English or Spanish.
All papers are due on June 10.
Spanish 413 Course Syllabus