The distinctive use of rhotics in Santomean Portuguese, as detailed in the research article “We have that strong R, you know”: the enregisterment of a distinctive use of rhotics in Santomean Portuguese, offers valuable insights for speech-language pathologists working with Santomean children. This study reveals how a specific linguistic feature can become a marker of national identity, especially in a diaspora context. Understanding this phenomenon can help practitioners improve their skills by implementing the research outcomes or encouraging further exploration.
Understanding Rhotic Enregisterment
According to the study, the use of rhotics in Santomean Portuguese is becoming enregistered as a feature that marks Santomeans’ national identity. This process is contingent on contact with non-Santomean Portuguese speakers, which raises awareness of the distinctive use of rhotics among Santomeans. The research identifies three orders of indexicality that explain this phenomenon:
- First-order indexicality: Features are unnoticed because everyone in the speaker’s social network uses them.
- Second-order indexicality: Features become ideologically linked with social values, such as classism or localness.
- Third-order indexicality: Features become explicit markers of identity and are used to express localness or belonging.
Implications for Speech Therapy
Speech-language pathologists can use these insights to tailor their therapy approaches for Santomean children. Here are some practical steps:
- Awareness and Sensitivity: Understand the cultural and identity significance of rhotic use in Santomean Portuguese. This awareness can help build rapport and trust with clients.
- Contextual Therapy: Incorporate the understanding of first-, second-, and third-order indexicality into therapy sessions. This can help children navigate different social contexts and understand when certain pronunciations are appropriate.
- Encouraging Self-Expression: Allow children to express their identity through their use of rhotics, while also teaching them how to adapt their speech in different settings.
Encouraging Further Research
The study highlights the importance of understanding linguistic features within their social context. Practitioners are encouraged to conduct further research on how other linguistic features in Santomean Portuguese or other languages are enregistered and how this impacts identity and communication.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: “We have that strong R, you know”: the enregisterment of a distinctive use of rhotics in Santomean Portuguese.
