Explore the roots of Old Spanish infinitives and how they shaped the language you read today.
This scholarly work presents a clear, thorough study of infinitive constructions in early Spanish, focusing on how de-, por-, para-, and other forms function as subjects, objects, and modifiers. It links ancient texts to modern usage, helping readers see the language’s evolution from its earliest literary records.
In this edition, the author compares two classic approaches to organizing and explaining the infinitive, then grounds theory in a carefully chosen set of texts. You’ll find detailed discussion of how infinitives interact with different prepositions, nouns, and verbs, and how subtleties in form reflect shifting meanings over time. The study blends linguistic analysis with historical context, offering a solid foundation for students and serious readers of Spanish syntax.
- Grounding in early Spanish prose and poetry, with attention to important works and manuscripts.
- Analysis of how the infinitive works as a substantive, subject, or dependent element.
- Examination of de- and por-infinitives, among others, and their range of uses.
- Discussion of methodological approaches and how they illuminate the evolution of Spanish syntax.
Ideal for readers of historical linguistics and scholars of Spanish, this edition helps connect ancient forms to modern understanding of the language.