Acceso usuarios
Joseph R. Weyers
Voseo is widely used in speech in Medellín, Colombia, but it is non-standard for writing. Weyers (2016) finds that written voseo has a growing presence. This study examines the vocative use of vos in public domains. The objective of the written vos goes beyond friendly address. In Medellín, vos is a familiarizing vocative that speaks to the reader’s sense of local identity. We analyse three domains in which vocative vos is prominent in Medellín: the locally brewed Pilsen beer; a hot dog restaurant that heralds its local roots; and the Alcaldía de Medellín which, with its new mayor (2016), uses vos officially to connect with citizens. In each domain, vos is not the exclusive form of address, but it is the most conspicuous. We conclude that vocative vos reflects Medellín’s augmented prestige. Following Weyers (2016), it might represent the beginning of a shift towards the increased prestige of vos.
