Diversos contenidos histórico-lingüísticos de la toponimia de Álava

Abstract

There are two stages of deliberations regarding Basque toponymy. The first was started by E. De Garibay y Zamalloa and continued up until the middle of this century, and the second stems from the works and studies of L. Michelena and J. Caro Baroja, characterised by the use of scientific methodology. The first works are no more than mere deliberations, the majority of which lack accuracy. In contrast, the second group are of philological value and are therefore also of scientific worth.

With reference to Alava, diverse nomenclatures are observed. One of them is clearly Basque and withouc doubt the oldest, and there are other easily-interpreted Latin and Romance terms, together with words that are more difficult to explain. The different components are analysed in this article, and it stresses respect for historical and popular transfer with the object of respecting its continuity and thus avoiding newly-created inventions.