Linguistic Evolution in the Iberian Peninsula: From Latin to Modern Languages
Latin Roots in Hispania
Vulgar Latin came into contact with pre-Roman languages in Hispania. These included Celtic-Iberian and Lusitanian (Indo-European family), as well as Iberian, Basque, and Tartessian (language family unknown). All these pre-Roman languages eventually disappeared, although they influenced the Latin spoken in the region, with the notable exception of Basque, which survived.
Emergence of Romance Languages in Iberia
The Latin brought by Roman soldiers and settlers diversified through
Read More19th Century Spain: Modernism and the Generation of ’98
Final Crisis of the Century: Modernism and the Generation of ’98
The 19th century saw the rise of two movements in opposition to contemporary artistic styles: Realism, Modernism, and the Generation of ’98.
Historical and Cultural Context
The late 19th century experienced a significant decline. Two historical events profoundly impacted writers of this period:
- Colonial Wars: The loss of Spain’s last colonies, Cuba and Puerto Rico, led to a deep economic crisis. Intellectuals were deeply concerned, referring
Spanish Post-War Theater: From Bourgeois Comedy to Absurdist Humor
Spanish Post-War Theater
General Features
The post-Civil War Spanish theater served two primary functions: entertainment and ideological dissemination. This ideology was conveyed through various means:
- Dismissal of pre-war contributions, such as those of Federico García Lorca and Teatro Valle.
- Promotion of works that glorified the victors’ values.
- Reliance on classical authors to evoke a sense of a glorious past.
The state and church exerted strict control over new works and repertoires, fostering self-
Read MoreSpanish Novels of Exile, Postwar, and Experimentation
The Novel in Exile
The majority of exiled writers reproduced similar themes: memories of Spain before 1936, longing and desire to return, and reflections on the circumstances of war and exile. Many of their books were banned by censors. Best-known authors include:
- Ramón J. Sender (1901-1982): His work is divided into three areas: realistic narratives (Requiem for a Spanish Peasant), historical novels, and autobiographical accounts (Crónica del alba).
- Max Aub (1903-1972)
- Francisco Ayala (1906-): Notable
New Galician Narrative: Features, Authors, and Works
New Galician Narrative: Features, Authors, Works
The New Galician Narrative emerged during a very vibrant and dynamic period (between 1950-1960), influenced not only by the Galician context but also by developments in Europe. The post-war era brought significant changes in artistic expression and marked substantial development in subsequent years. Currents of thought like Marxism and existentialism, focusing on the reflection of human existence, consolidated. A key reference for the youth of those
Read MoreUnderstanding Argumentative Texts, Society, and Modernism
Argumentation in Persuasive Texts
Argument: A persuasive case characterized by intentionality, aiming to convince or persuade through evidence and reasoning. The appellate function is predominant, seeking to achieve its purpose in argumentative texts by presenting evidence and reasons.
Argumentative Structure
- Thesis: The fundamental idea of the text, which the author seeks to demonstrate.
- Argumentative Body: Contains arguments that confirm or reject the thesis, integrating quotations, arguments from