In this paper we offer a panoramic overview of the development of Andean Spanish and
Andean Linguistics, from a theoretical point of view of language contact and universal
grammar. We discuss how the notion of Andean Spanish came into existence, the issues
under debate, and the consequences of different theoretical positions. We also introduce the
contents of the papers included in this special issue, and highlight their key points, framing
them in the context of the research on universal grammar. The following five areas are …