Celso Cittadini and the origin of the vernacular: the convergence of science and subjectivity

Abstract

The work of the late-cinquecento philologist Celso Cittadini offers a striking example of the motivation of linguistic theory by pre-existing belief. Fundamental to an understanding of Cittadini's stance is his postulation of a two-tier construction within the Latin language. Modern scholarship, too, relies on such epigraphical and textual evidence in postulation of non-classical structures, but Cittadini's outlook is particularly innovative given the environment in which he worked. Despite Cittadini's lack of explicitness, it must be assumed that he regarded speakers of the colloquial tongue as conduits for the innovations imported by newcomers, themselves members of the lower classes. In addition to tracing general trends of development, the Vera origine and Trattato degli articoli provide evidence concerning specific spelling and sound changes through the centuries. His exposition demonstrates a noteworthy reliance on meaningful evidence and aptitude in its employment features which differentiate his approach from the approaches of previous scholars.