Latinx perceptions of Spanish in Miami: Dialect variation, personality attributes and language use

Abstract

Abstract This study examines the ways in which Cuban, Colombian, and Peninsular Spanish in Miami-Dade County (MDC) are conceptualized by Latinx participants in terms of implicit perceptions. We examine how Latinx college students – all residents of Miami – perceive Spanish language variation in Miami and predict putative differences in two domains: 1) personality characteristics related to warmth and competence traits (e.g., friendliness and intelligence), and 2) differences in usage and maintenance of Spanish. Data were analyzed for significance using a three by four within-subjects ANOVA with a series of specific statistical contrasts. Results show effects of both the language variety alone as well as interaction effects between the dialects and labels indicating ostensible family origin information.