Beyond Borders: Impacts of Spanish Language Elements and Code Switching in Popular Music
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Aurora Castillo-Scott
Abstract
What are the various impacts of incorporating Spanish and bilingual language elements into music in various contexts, such as popular music and cultural attitudes? This research presentation examines the impacts and implications of these elements using several case studies of specific musicians. Exploring the phenomenon of language mixing between Spanish and English, the study by Loureiro-Rodríguez, Verónica, et al. maps the life of Spanish as a public language in the United States, with a particular focus on its presence in contemporary urban music styles. Additionally, the presenters will examine how artists utilize Spanish code switches to navigate their bicultural identity while also addressing the reinforcement of stereotypes. Investigating more closely into when Spanish code-switching occurs in music reveals insights about the cultural associations with the language, both to the artist and to the listener. The presenters also delve into the poetic aspects of Spanish lyrics, looking at shared characteristics with traditional poetry, such as rhymes and line divisions, and how Spanish and English interact in a lyrical context. Together, these findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of language, culture, and identity within the realm of Spanish and bilingual music.
Start Date
27-3-2024 3:10 PM
End Date
27-3-2024 3:18 PM
Location
Arts and Sciences 2-72
Beyond Borders: Impacts of Spanish Language Elements and Code Switching in Popular Music
Arts and Sciences 2-72
What are the various impacts of incorporating Spanish and bilingual language elements into music in various contexts, such as popular music and cultural attitudes? This research presentation examines the impacts and implications of these elements using several case studies of specific musicians. Exploring the phenomenon of language mixing between Spanish and English, the study by Loureiro-Rodríguez, Verónica, et al. maps the life of Spanish as a public language in the United States, with a particular focus on its presence in contemporary urban music styles. Additionally, the presenters will examine how artists utilize Spanish code switches to navigate their bicultural identity while also addressing the reinforcement of stereotypes. Investigating more closely into when Spanish code-switching occurs in music reveals insights about the cultural associations with the language, both to the artist and to the listener. The presenters also delve into the poetic aspects of Spanish lyrics, looking at shared characteristics with traditional poetry, such as rhymes and line divisions, and how Spanish and English interact in a lyrical context. Together, these findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of language, culture, and identity within the realm of Spanish and bilingual music.