Resumen de Latin as a source for the Romance languages
This chapter investigates to what extent phonological, morphological, syntactic, and lexical features considered to be typical of Romance are anticipated in the Latin of different periods and registers (written, spoken, prestige/formal, low/colloquial, etc.). To this end, the chapter critically reviews documented diachronic, diatopic and social variation (both ‘from above’ and ‘from below’) in Latin phonology, morphology, syntax, lexis, and orthography to identify and evaluate those authentic aspects of variation and change which are relevant for our understanding of Romance developments. Specific topics dealt with include: the chronological and spatial scope of Latin; the definition of, and relationship between, Classical and vulgar Latin; changes in the vowel system from Latin to Romance; the development of the future tense; a number of case studies in the lexicon.
