Formas pronominales de tratamiento en el español actual de Guatemala (Pronominal Forms of Address in Contemporary Guatemalan Spanish)
Description
The research analyzes the pronominal forms of address (PFA) in Guatemalan Spanish, considering sociolinguistic, stylistic, and dialectological aspects. The main objective is to identify the national-cultural specificity in the use of PFAs in Guatemala. The research is based on transcripts of recordings made in different regions of the country, interviews, and surveys with speakers from various social levels and ages. The methods used include direct observation, analytical description, surveys, and comparative analysis. The findings indicate that the use of "usted," "tú," and "vos" varies significantly according to demographic factors such as age, gender, and education level, as well as geographic and sociocultural factors. In general, "usted" is used to express respect and formality, "vos" to indicate trust and familiarity, and "tú" is used less frequently, mainly in specific contexts and among certain demographic groups. In Guatemala City, the use of PFAs shows variations depending on the relationships between the communicators (relatives, acquaintances, strangers) and their sociolinguistic status. In rural areas, there is a preference for "usted" and "vos," with minimal use of "tú." The differences in the use of PFAs also reflect the dynamics of power, respect, and closeness in social interactions. The research concludes that PFAs in Guatemalan Spanish are a reflection of the complex interaction between linguistic and extralinguistic factors and highlights the importance of studying these forms to better understand the cultural and social specificity of Guatemala.