UROP Project

The intonation of sentences in Spanish

Intonation, Spanish, declarative sentences, questions
Headshot_Lara Reglero.jpg
Research Mentor: Lara Reglero,
Department, College, Affiliation: Modern Languages and Linguistics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: lreglero@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Carolina González
Faculty Collaborators Email: cgonzalez3@fsu.edu
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Spanish, Music, Psychology, Education or Communications, but it is open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-6, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
  • Day: Friday, September 4
    Start Time: 1:00
    End Time: 2:00
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/93174643087

Project Description

This project explores the intonation of Spanish sentences by native speakers of Spanish. More specifically, this study focuses on intonational differences among declarative sentences, such as ‘I bought a house’ and different types of questions including ‘What did you buy?’, ‘Did you buy anything?’ and ‘You bought what?’ in the variety of Spanish spoken in the Basque Country, Spain. This project is conducted in collaboration with Dr. Carolina González.

Research Tasks: Transcribe and code participant data using the acoustic software Praat, and help prepare Excel files with experimental information prior to statistical analysis. As our URA becomes familiar and proficient with these tasks, s/he will be introduced to more advanced tasks, including acoustic and statistical analysis.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: intermediate-advanced, advanced or heritage/native speaker of Spanish
Recommended: Knowledge of phonetics or other areas in linguistics

Mentoring Philosophy

In my twenty-two years at FSU, I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching, mentoring and interacting with undergraduate students. I feel truly honored when an undergraduate student wants to work with me in a research project. My overall main goal as a mentor is to create independent thinkers, students who are able to conduct their own research successfully during their undergraduate studies and after graduation. My specific approach to mentoring includes meeting with students at the start of a project, explaining the overall goals and how the project is going to contribute to scientific knowledge. I provide any needed training and offer ample time for questions (both in person and over email). I also meet with students regularly to provide feedback and encouragement. One of my goals as a mentor is to offer the possibility of collaborating in conference presentations and potential publications related to the research project. At a personal level, I’m a very empathetic person who can sympathize and identify with the successes and struggles of undergraduate life. I am patient and flexible and I understand that life happens to everyone. I always offer the best advice that I can, often relying on my own personal experience. I try to offer a plan of action that is doable and works for everyone, especially during difficult times. I truly enjoy my role as an undergraduate mentor and I look forward to continue working and supporting our current and future undergraduate students at FSU.

Additional Information

We are looking forward to welcome a URA into our team, composed by Dr. Lara Reglero and Dr. Carolina González!

Link to Publications

https://mll.fsu.edu/person/lara-reglero
Return to Project Database