Navigating prestige variants across multiple dimensions

Abstract

Abstract In this study, we examine which characteristics are routinely associated with linguistic variants, and how the sociolinguistic and societal landscape may influence the range of possible characteristics by analyzing realizations of /r/ and /w/ in Haitian Creole. In Haitian Creole, [r] and [w] are attested allophones for both phonemes (e.g. Hogan & Allen 1999 ). Using data from 40 Haitian Creole speakers, we conduct a variationist sociolinguistic analysis testing how gender, region, and bilingual status condition pronunciations of /r/ and /w/. Overall, we (a) show how speakers navigate different and sometimes opposing norms, and (b) incorporate our findings into our understanding of linguistic prestige.