The languages of the Iberian Peninsula have long captivated linguists. To document this richness, linguists crafted the magnificent Linguistic Atlas of the Iberian Peninsula (ALPI). This invaluable resource, which boasts over 15,000 pages of dialectological and geolinguistic data, is a testament to the rich tapestry of language that blankets the Iberian Peninsula. This study will examine the significance and utility of ALPI, shedding light on this remarkable linguistic atlas.
The Genesis of ALPI
ALPI’s origins can be traced back to the early 20th century when the eminent Spanish philologist Ramón Menéndez Pidal envisioned a comprehensive linguistic atlas for the Iberian Peninsula. His student and disciple, Tomás Navarro Tomás, took up the mantle and supervised the project. The groundwork was laid with the completion and printing of the questionnaire in 1930, and in 1931, the surveys commenced.
The Pioneering Fieldwork
The surveying of the Iberian Peninsula was an ambitious undertaking, involving three teams of dedicated fieldworkers. Francesc de Borja Moll and Manuel Sanchis Guarner covered the Valenciano Catalan zone, Aurelio M. Espinosa [jr.] and Lorenzo Rodríguez Castellano tackled the Castilian-speaking areas, while in the Galician-Portuguese region, Aníbal Otero led the way, initially supported by Rodrigo de Sa Nogueira and later by Luís F. Lindley Cintra.
However, the Spanish Civil War disrupted the project when it was 90% complete, forcing Navarro Tomás into exile and causing an interruption in the ALPI surveys. The materials were eventually returned to Spain in 1951 and, with concerted effort, the remaining surveys were conducted between 1947 and 1954.
The ALPI Materials Rediscovered
The ALPI notebooks, nearly forgotten, resurfaced in various locations, including private homes and archives. It was not until between 1999 and 2001 that David Heap of the University of Western Ontario discovered and photocopied these invaluable materials, breathing new life into the project.
The ALPI Phonetic Transcription
The linguistic data collected by ALPI fieldworkers was transcribed using a unique phonetic alphabet. Unlike other transcription systems, such as the International Phonetic Alphabet, this system has distinct symbols and requires some familiarity for accurate interpretation. If you’re new to this transcription system, it’s advisable to consult the Table of Phonetic Symbols for reference.
The Three Questionnaires
ALPI utilized three questionnaires in its survey:
Cuaderno I: Fonética y Morfosintaxis (Phonetics and Morphosyntax)
This questionnaire, with approximately 411 items, delves into the phonetic intricacies and morphosyntax of the dialects surveyed. It forms the cornerstone of the ALPI data.
Cuaderno IIG: Léxico, General (Lexicon, General)
While less frequently used, this questionnaire focuses on general lexicon, providing insights into the vocabulary of the Iberian Peninsula’s diverse regions.
Cuaderno IIE: Léxico, Extendido (Lexicon, Extended)
Extending beyond the general lexicon, this questionnaire delves deeper into specialized vocabulary, offering a comprehensive view of the linguistic landscape.
Accessing ALPI Data
Accessing the wealth of data within ALPI is made easy through the online platform. To begin exploring, simply click on the “Database Search” located in the top banner. You’ll be prompted to select your working language and can then choose a region, one or more localities, and specific items from the questionnaire. This leads to scanned images of the original survey notebooks, with responses transcribed in the phonetic alphabet.
These images are available as high-resolution files, ensuring that researchers and linguists can scrutinize every detail. For more information on accessing these high-resolution images, please visit the Applied Linguistics Lab, University of Western Ontario.
The Future of ALPI
ALPI’s online presence is still a prototype under development. The hope is to expand the survey points and coverage to include Portugal, Andorra, and Roussillon (Pyrénées Orientales).
Why ALPI on the Web?
Traditionally, linguistic atlases relied on printed maps with phonetic transcriptions. The transition to electronic cartography has eased the process but still necessitates transcription and digitalization. ALPI bridges this gap by offering scanned images of the original field notebooks, allowing users to select survey points and access the desired linguistic data.
The Linguistic Atlas of the Iberian Peninsula (ALPI) is a treasure trove of linguistic diversity, painstakingly compiled over decades. Its historical significance, unique phonetic transcription system, and three comprehensive questionnaires make it an invaluable resource for linguists and language enthusiasts alike. As ALPI continues to evolve, it promises to unlock even more insights into the rich linguistic tapestry of the Iberian Peninsula.