Francisco Navarro Artiles and the Lexicographical Rescue of Canarian Vocabulary
The study and preservation of Canarian vocabulary has been a cornerstone of linguistic research in the Canary Islands. Among the most prominent figures in this field is Francisco Navarro Artiles, whose work is celebrated in the volume edited by Carmen Díaz Alayón and Marcial Morera.[1]
A Pioneer in Canarian Lexicography
Navarro Artiles recognized early on the importance of documenting and analyzing the unique vocabulary of the Canary Islands. His efforts went beyond merely collecting words and expressions; he contextualized them, traced their origins, and analyzed their meanings and variations. This comprehensive approach helped establish Canarian vocabulary as a linguistic heritage worthy of study and protection.
Methodology and Sources
Navarro Artiles’s research was marked by scientific rigor and meticulous attention to detail. He drew from both oral and written sources, interviewed speakers from various islands and generations, and consulted historical documents and archives. Through this work, he identified archaisms, loanwords from Portuguese, Guanche, and Latin American sources, as well as neologisms that emerged in the insular context.[1]
Vocabulary as a Reflection of Identity
Navarro Artiles argued that Canarian vocabulary reflects the history, geography, and culture of the islands. Words related to agriculture, fishing, daily life, and local festivals reveal the richness and diversity of island life. His research also highlighted the influence of migration and contact with other Atlantic cultures, especially Portuguese and Latin American.
Legacy and Relevance
Navarro Artiles’s legacy remains relevant today. His studies have laid the foundation for further research and the creation of dictionaries and lexicographical works. Moreover, his contributions have helped raise social awareness of Canarian speech and the need to preserve this heritage in the face of linguistic standardization.[1]
Conclusion
Francisco Navarro Artiles’s work is essential for understanding the richness and complexity of Canarian vocabulary. His dedication was not only academic but also a profound commitment to the identity of the Canary Islands.