Changes Induced by Contact in the Spanish of the Mountains of Ecuador: the Simplification of Pronominal Systems (Processes of Neutralization and Elision)

Abstract

In this investigation I approach the changes that are documented in the pronominal systems of Spanish from the mountains of Ecuador in Otavalo and Ibarra. Or more concretely with the simplification of the pronominal system that is revealed in two aspects that are intrinsically related: a) the simplification of the pronominal forms through the neutralization of the traits of gender and/or case; b) Pronominal elision. At the same time I show that the trait [+/- animated] of the referent plays an important part. In the same manner, I point out how these changes have been favored by contact with Quichua, a language related with bilingualism in the area.