Between conceptual representations, grammatical categories and historical accidents: the «restless fascination of scientific research» of Romano Lazzeroni

Abstract

This paper discusses the impact of Romano Lazzeroni’s scholarship on Historical Linguistics and Indo-European studies altogether, by analyzing his groundbreaking
works and long-lasting legacy in relation to the state of the art and current research on four main questions: 1. morphosyntax/semantics interface; 2. linguistic and
cultural reconstruction; 3. linguistic categorization; 4. language change. A portrait of Romano Lazzeroni as a brilliant and unique Teacher is also provided, as a modest token of gratitude to a giant of science and big-hearted Mentor.