El lenguaje de los aborígenes. Su influencia en el español hablado en la región oriental de Cuba

Abstract

This article offers a brief panoramic view of the present influence of the native inhabitants’ language on the Spanish spoken in the eastern region of Cuba. The article gains support from important historical facts and their reference by some researchers, as it is the case in the analysis of Christopher Columbus’ ship’s log during his journey to the Caribbean Islands in 1492; particularly, the analysis of his descriptions in the communication with them. Also a research study based on the analysis-synthesis of the documents (here reflected in the references) elaborated by specialists on the subject was carried out. The evidences of the first contacts between colonizers and natives are analyzed to evaluate the results of their communication. Finally, the characteristics of the native’s language are explained and examples of the influence and present use of native words in the eastern Cuban Spanish are provided. Since there is little information and publications on this topic and because of the importance of having a better and clearer understanding of the characteristics of the eastern Cuban Spanish, making it different from other regions; it is important to issue articles on the topic.