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theses

The expression of futurity is a prime example of linguistic variation and is conditioned by linguistic and external constraints. The expression of futurity by native speakers (NS) of Spanish has been extensively investigated (e.g., Orozco, 2004, 2007, 2018; Sedano, 1994; Silva-Corvalán and Terrell, 1989). Several studies have focused on the analysis of the periphrastic (PF) and morphological (MF) future forms, while others have included the present indicative (PI). However, studies have not adopted a functionalist, concept-oriented approach (e.g., Bardovi-Harlig, 2007; Kanwit, 2014; von Stutterheim and Klein, 1987) when examining how this linguistic function is used (i.e., adopting a semantics-based view of syntax and morphology, examining all forms that express futurity: PF, MF, PI, and others). Furthermore, only a limited number of studies have examined the expression of futurity by second language (L2) learners (e.g., Gudmestad and Geeslin, 2013; Kanwit, 2014), and heritage speakers (HS) (e.g., Gómez Soler and de Prada Pérez, 2016).
In order to address these gaps, the present mixed-methods study examined future time expression among 48 L2 learners (20 intermediate-mid, 14 intermediate-high, 14 advanced) and 40 HSs (5 intermediate-mid, 14 intermediate-high, 21 advanced). Participants completed an interview protocol, a preference task, and a metalinguistic awareness questionnaire. Overall, the data revealed that both L2 learners and HSs favored the PF, LF, and PI and produced a significantly lower rate of the MF, subjunctive, conditional and other verb forms when expressing futurity in Spanish. The developmental patterns regarding the expression of futurity were largely similar in L2 learners and HSs. However, there were differences between the two groups in the frequency of use of certain verb forms. The analysis also revealed that the verb forms employed to express futurity were conditioned by linguistic constraints (temporal distance, type and quantity of temporal adverbials, clause type, semantic type of verb, and markers of certainty) and external constraints (exposure to Spanish dialect, formal education in Spanish, and gender). At the metalinguistic level, overall L2 learners exhibited a more formalized way of explaining their choices based on textbook or instructional-related matters. The study concludes that L2 learners and HSs use a wide variety of verb forms to express futurity, which may reflect the input they are exposed to as well as their language acquisition process. The results and contributions are discussed in the framework of the functionalist approach, grammaticalization, second and heritage language acquisition, and pedagogical implications.

ETD_9793

Ph.D.

Includes bibliographical references

doi:10.7282/t3-8gce-zr40

ETD doctoral

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