A deslateralização do /ʎ/ em perspectiva sociolinguística : percepção e atitudes linguísticas

Abstract

This research is situated within the field of Variationist Sociolinguistics, based on the assumption that language is a dynamic social phenomenon marked by variations that carry symbolic values. The study investigated the delateralization of the phoneme /ʎ/, represented by the digraph “lh,” which is often realized as [j] in words such as mulher > muié and vermelho > vermeio, a variant associated with social stigma in Brazilian Portuguese. The objective was to analyze the perception and social evaluation of this phenomenon among speakers from different social backgrounds. A qualitative and quantitative approach was adopted through field research conducted in Pedra Mole, Sergipe, involving 48 participants. Data collection was carried out through a perceptual experiment using auditory stimuli and semi-structured interviews. The results confirmed trends already identified in sociolinguistic literature, highlighting the preference for the lateralized variant [ʎ], associated with prestigie and correctness, while the variant [j] was linked to informality and perceived inadequacy. It is concluded that the delateralization of /ʎ/ functions as a social marker and reinforces stereotype, emphasizing the need for pedagogical practices that, while teaching prestigious forms, also value linguistic diversity and combat linguistic prejudice.