Abstract

NERCESIAN, Verónica. Language and territory: historical and dialectal variation in Wichi/Weenhayek (Mataguayan). Rev. Mus. Antropol. [online]. 2020, vol.13, n.3, pp.07-22. ISSN 1852-060X.  http://dx.doi.org/http://doi.org/10.31048/1852.4826.v13.n3.28281.

Abstract This paper presents the results of ongoing research on dialectal variation in Wichi/Weenhayek (Mataguayan language family). We analyze the geographical diffusion of five features that define two dialectal groups with the longest time of divergence, the Pilcomayeño and the Bermejeño, and transition zones in the dialectal chain. This grouping overlaps with another level of variation that would have to be more recent. From the isoglosses of other five linguistic variables, we identify the Bermejeño Abajeño variety separately from the Bermejeño Arribeño and the Pilcomayeño. This last group would also present a subdivision into Arribeño and Abajeño. This study combines dialectology and historical linguistics to understand the variation in space and time. We present evolutionary hypotheses that would explain the current stage of variation. The results presented in this paper constitute a novel contribution to the knowledge of variation in Wichi/Weenhayek and the history of the people.

Keywords : Gan Chaco; Wichi/weenhayek; Dialectal variation; Historical linguistics.

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