Nonconvergence toward the standard: the maintenance of a distinctive use of rhotics among the Santomean diaspora in Portugal

Abstract

Abstract The variable use of rhotics is a salient linguistic feature in the variety of Portuguese spoken on São Tomé Island. In this study, we employ ethnographic and variationist sociolinguistic methods to report on the use of rhotics by 40 Santomeans living in Portugal. The objective is to determine whether Santomeans who are in closer proximity with European Portuguese, which is the variety perceived as standard and more prestigious in Portugal, tend to use rhotics in a more standard way or if they maintain the distinctive use of rhotics from their island. The results indicate that Santomeans do not converge toward a more European standard use of rhotics. We argue that the distinctive use of rhotics is available for identity-driven use to express a connection to São Tomé and Príncipe.