Variable norms in the production of /θ/ in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain

Abstract

This paper investigates the variable use of /θ/ in the urban speech in Jerez de la Frontera, traditionally considered to have a ceceo Andalusian dialect. It examines the relationship between phonetic and social factors that condition variable ceceo and connects them to the social changes undergone in Spain during the 30 years since the establishment of democracy. The speech samples of 21 native speakers from Jerez de la Frontera were analyzed. The results indicate that younger women are more aware of the /s//θ/ distinction than their male counterparts and that participants in contact with other social networks distinguish these segments much more frequently. In terms of linguistic factors influencing the choice of [s], preceding and following phonetic contexts also appear to motivate the choice but most importantly, orthography plays a fundamental role in the choice, implying that Jerez speakers adhere to national norms when they choose between [s] and [θ].