On the Long Vowels in Spanish Loans to Quechua Huanca

Abstract

The present research investigates the behavior of certain lexical elements in Spanish when adapting to the phonological system of Quechua Huanca. On one hand, this variety belongs to Quechua I and exhibits a significant distinction between long and short vowels (Adelaar, 1984; Cerrón-Palomino, 1987, p. 254; Parke, 1963, p. 247; Torero, 1964, p. 30). This distinction is functional and productive in the present context (Cerrón-Palomino, 1976a, pp. 34-36; 1987c, pp. 234-235; Julca, 2021, pp. 32-42). On the other hand, Spanish does not possess this feature; however, when loaning terms to Quechua, this distinction emerges in nativized elements. Our working hypothesis suggests the existence of a categorical decision process (Escudero 2005: 7-13) regarding the Spanish input, based on the phonetic and phonological criteria of Quechua Huanca. In other words, the Huanca ear decides, based on its language's criteria, whether the allophonic duration of Spanish vowels adapts as long or short vowels. Our work involves analyzing both systems and understanding the implied adaptation process. To defend our position, we will follow three steps: firstly, we will present the problem with examples. Secondly, we propose our solution and the steps to demonstrate it. Thirdly, we will summarize the findings and propose some predictions based on our discoveries. Finally, we will present the conclusions reached. Our presentation of each of these points will be relatively concise but illustrative, primarily due to space constraints.