Analyzing Cultural and Linguistic Relevance in the Manual de Estilo de la AP

Abstract

This study examines the cultural and linguistic relevance of the Manual de Estilo de la AP for Spanish-language and bilingual journalism education in the United States. We used a targeted qualitative content analysis of 10 alphabet sections meticulously coded for themes such as U.S. Spanish borrowings, regionalisms, grammar, identity, immigration, and government/education terminology. The results show the manual is a strong technical resource, but favors a “neutral” Spanish overlooking key features of U.S. Spanish and language diversity. The manual has pedagogical utility, and practical application, but has limitations. We recommend supplemental resources and more inclusive language practices for bilingual journalism educators and students.

Keywords

Manual de Estilo bilingual journalism U.S. Spanish culturally relevant Latinx

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