Topic: Evaluation of Written Information in a Second Language: Credibility and Stereotypes
Speaker: Dr. Juan Pablo Rodríguez Prieto (Ph.D., University of Florida)
When: April 7th, 4:00-5:00 pm
Where: SC Music Lounge
Presented By: Modern Languages and Classics
Established in memory of Dr. Dorothy Stegman’s mother and sisters, the series addresses the “Dignity of Human Relationships, with a focus on memory and/or communication, as witnessed in literature, historical or cultural studies, language, etc."
Abstract: Non-native speech often features characteristics such as hesitations and extended pauses, which are commonly associated with deceptive communication.
Previous research has demonstrated that statements delivered with a foreign accent are perceived as less truthful than those made by native speakers, primarily due to the added difficulty in processing accented speech. This study investigates whether such credibility perceptions can be attributed to stereotypes or biases against second language (L2) speakers, even in the absence of an accent. The credibility perceptions of 162 university students learning Spanish as an L2 were assessed. Participants rated truthful statements presented in English (L1) or Spanish (L2) on a 9-point scale. Although participants initially reported a preference for information in Spanish (L2), the credibility of new information did not differ based on language. However, known information presented in Spanish (L2) was deemed less credible than in English (L1). Higher proficiency in Spanish correlated positively with credibility ratings, suggesting that greater language ability reduces credibility bias. These findings underscore the importance of fostering critical skills for evaluating information in an L2, aiding in the mitigation of biases in an increasingly multilingual world.
Speaker’s Bio: Dr. Juan Pablo Rodríguez Prieto is an Associate Professor of Spanish in the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at Butler University in Indiana. His academic career focuses on Spanish second language acquisition and Hispanic linguistics. His research interests include motivation in language learning, the impact of study abroad experiences, emotional intelligence, and linguistic variation. Dr. Rodríguez Prieto has developed innovative courses in Hispanic linguistics and designed educational resources, including books and teaching materials, such as Introducción a la Pronunciación del Español (co-authored with Quintanilla, 2022). His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the AATSP/IFLTA 2024 Indiana Teacher of the Year award.