The role of Alfred Morel-Fatio in the beginnings of Catalan studies

Abstract

Our aim in this article is to make a synthesis of Alfred Morel-Fatio’s main studies on Catalan language and literature, as well as to define his work in 19th century Catalan studies, especially in France, but also in the rest of Europe. It is necessary to know that this French scholar had a leading role in the deployment of Catalan university surveys outside Catalan countries, as well as making significant contributions to the deployment of Catalan philology. So, we conclude that Morel-Fatio has the merit of being the first professor to introduce the study of Catalan language and literature into university. Apart from that, it is important to highlight the influence of its summaries on the history of the Catalan language and literature published in the Grundriss, because they were the main description of this part of Catalan culture available to European Romanists at that century. In addition, they contributed decisively to the development of modern Catalan philology influencing several Catalan philologists.