Resumo:

The paper discusses Labov’s (2008 [1972], 2001)classification of the categories indicator, marked, stereotype. Its object ofanalysis is the raising of pretonic middle vowels. The phenomenon istraditionally classified as indicator. However, the present study verifies,based on two subjective evaluation tests, that the linguistic phenomenontransits between the three categories, even when evaluated in the samelinguistic community. In the subjective reaction test, the alignment fallsbetween the indicator and marker categories. In the test of linguisticinsecurity, the phenomenon is characterized as a stereotype. Based on theresults, a new proposal for Labov’s (2008 [1972], 2001) categories isadvocated. It is postulated that linguistic phenomena should be evaluated on acontinuum, just as it is intended to reflect on the role of subjectiveevaluation in linguistic variation and change.