The intonation of yes-no questions in bilingual Gipuzkoan Spanish and Basque from Irun

Abstract

This study examines the intonation of information-seeking yes-no questions in bilingual Spanish and Basque from Irun, Gipuzkoa, and considers the effects of language dominance in describing intonational patterns. Data from 13 bilingual speakers show that falling contours (most commonly (¡)H* L%) predominate in both languages, especially among Basque-dominant bilinguals. Rising contours (namely L* H% and H* LH%) occur more frequently than previously reported for Basque Spanish. We argue that this result stems from the linguistic reality of Irun, where the use of Spanish is more widespread. Overall, most participants produced the same contours in both languages, which suggests that they utilize a common intonation inventory.