Características de la gesticulación en hablantes bilingües de español e inglés: un estudio preliminar

Abstract

[eng] This preliminary study aims to identify and analyze the characteristics of gestures in Spanish and English speakers when they use their native language (L1) and when they use the foreign language they are learning (L2). Through empirical experience, data on frequency and gestural typology of six subjects have been collected. The results seem to confirm the conclusions of previous studies: speakers increase the use of gesticulation in L2 and tend to use a greater number of iconic and deictic gestures, among others. However, no relevant differences have been found between the results of Spanish and English speakers, therefore it has not been possible to prove that cultural competences and language-specific traits are decisive in the gesticulation process.