Preserving the Alveolar Lateral in the Coda: A Possible Explanation

Based on variationist theory, this paper aims to broaden the discussion on the social motivations underlying the maintenance of some linguistic features. After presenting research carried out in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) on the use of the lateral consonant in the coda, we claim, bearing in mind E. Wenger's postulates (1998), that there is a community that strongly influences the maintenance of the post-vocalic lateral. 2 Tables, 25 References. Adapted from the source document