Dialect variation in Spanish: multimedia software for the user

Abstract

DVS is an interactive multimedia Windows application devoted to the presentation of the different dialects of Spanish as spoken today in those countries where Spanish is the official language. The software is organized into six modules. A Tour gives a quick look at the contents of the CD by presenting short videoclips of the TV of Spanish-speaking countries. The main module in the software presents an interface with a map where all countries appear as "hot links". When you select any one of them, an interface opens up in which 4 video and 4 audioclips representing the dialect are offered to the user. Besides, a semi-technical description of the dialect is displayed which specifies the phonetic, morphosyntactic and lexical peculiarities of the dialect under consideration. Another module offers the user the possibility of comparing any two dialects of Spanish by watching or listening to media clips chosen by him. The last section reviews briefly four current international research projects devoted to the variation of Spanish from the geographical point of view.