metahistory of Lunfardo Cultural history of Buenos Aires Argentine tango Lunfardo, the variety of Spanish in Buenos Aires, originated in the marginal sectors of society in Buenos Aires as a result of massive migratory waves entering the city from the mid-19th century. As it became one of the main registers of tango lyrics, it came to represent Argentine culture in the world, as tango itself became an international phenomenon and symbol of Argentina. Despite a massive production of poetry, theatrical pieces, and prose in Lunfardo, a strong reaction in Argentina to this variety of Spanish has tried to belittle its role in the cultural history of Argentina. This research project intends to trace the history of the discourse on Lunfardo in Argentina, and in so doing to recognize and analyze the dynamics involved in the development of the cultural and national identity there. This metahistory of the discourse on Lunfardo enables us to understand the forces involved in the development of a multicultural society like the one in Buenos Aires, which is a process that in our historical moment is of tremendous relevance.
