Considerations on the theory of the basis of articulation (I)

Abstract

The aim of the present discussion is to observe the various endeavours undertaken in linguistics to discern whether the basis of articulation is a viable and useful concept and—above all—whether or not it reflects reality. Since as far as we know the most fruitful development of this very notion is accomplished within Romanian scientific milieu, by the contributions of A. Philippide and G. Ivănescu, we shall make an attempt to pursue the path which was unfold in the mid 19th century under the influence of the evolutionist perspective and which was followed by the two great theorists of the concept.In the second part of our study we shall present a brief present-day account of the issue, especially since, subsequent to the two Romanian scholars, Romanian linguistics did not give much attention to this concept, though its ex- istent premises are firm and valuable, i.e. of great aid.

Keywords

• diachronic linguistics
• linguistic change
• basis of articulation
• psychological basis
• language development