Els Articles en el parlar de Mallorca

Abstract

The most important and peculiar aspect of the colloquial idiom of Majorca is the coexistence of two definite articles. However, the use of one or the other is strictly rule-bound. They are not systemically opposed, but they act differently as verbal instruments in determining degrees of updating and definiteness. As a general rule, the derivative of IPSU is used, but certain nouns require the other form, i.e. the reflex of ILLU, which is common to the whole of the Catalan-speaking area. We also find this latter form in set phrases and expressions. The purpose of the present study is to provide information on the uses of ILLU and explain the function of each of these articles by starting from the concept of definiteness as expounded by Coseriu. In order to perform an individualizing function, ILLU relies on the natural, historical and cultural context.