Euskarazko tratamenduen ikuspegia: I. historia apur bat

Abstract

In this study, the author attempts historical, theoretical and pragmatic approaches to a particularly characteristic aspect of the Basque language: the various 'forms of address' or linguistic registers.
   In the opening section, he gathers information on the various judgments, explanations and commentaries concerning this controversial subject that have been made by grammarians and lovers of Basque over the course of history. Precisely because this topic has been so hotly debated, the need has arisen for a critical viewpoint which would allow the objective contribution of each author to be evaluated through the prism of linguistic analysis.
   Beginning with the 17th century, and for the first descriptive texts on the Basque language, and going up to the first third of the 20th century, the author reviews the contributions made by authors like: Oihenart, Pierre d'Urte, J. Etxeberri, Larramendi, P.P. Astarloa, Añibarro, Zabala, Lardizabal, Inchauspe, Bonaparte, A. Campion, Ithurry, S. Arana-Goiri, R.M. Azkue, J. Eguskitza, S. Altube and H. Schuchardt. Through this historical survey, certain faults are seen to come to light in the different approaches, such as an excessive preoccupation with etymology, an over-apologetic tone, or even various forms of prejudice which are mingled with otherwise valuable descriptions or pieces of information.