Lexicography and linguistic change in the Río de la Plata Spanish

Abstract

Argentinean and Uruguayan varieties of Río de la Plata Spanish are perceived as very close, so much so that differences between them seem a matter of anecdote. Yet, contrastive lexicographical work on those varieties has enabled us to detect some regularities on the nature of lexical differences across the Río de la Plata. In this article, we offer an analysis of the compiled lexicon which constitutes evidence in favour of the view that considers Buenos Aires Spanish as the innovative force in the region. On one hand, we identify the lexical changes observed as the result of word formation processes which, applied to lexical stems shared by both varieties, are only (or first) documented in Buenos Aires Spanish. On the other, we describe a less dynamic vocabulary area, which is a source of more stable differences: the one related to the encyclopedic aspects of the lexicon. Thus, beyond its possible value as lexicographical work, Dos Orillas: Vocabulario diferencial del español rioplatense (Argentino-Uruguayo/Uruguayo-Argentino) becomes a tool for reflection on the evolution of linguistic change in the lexicon of Río de la Plata Spanish.