Normative dynamics and linguistic spaces: contrasts and intersections in the construction of Portuguese and Spanish

Abstract

Considering the construction of a standard norm as a complex and controversial historical process, we address the standardization of Portuguese and Spanish from a glottopolitical perspective. In this respect, we understand linguistic territories as spaces for the production of linguistic loyalty in relation to a norm. This conception entails a unified representation based on extremely diverse linguistic practices which show no gaps or clearly defined delimitations before or aside from this process. In this paper we identify the historical moments associated with the construction and focalization of both languages, as well as the agents, instances of standardization and inevitable controversies involved, while considering the differences between the “diffuse standardization” of Portuguese and the centrality of the RAE and ASALE which characterizes the Spanish language domain.

Keywords: glottopolitics, normative dynamics, linguistics space, standardization, Spanish, Portuguese.