Affixation vs. conversion.
-
Laurie Bauer
Abstract
This is a case-study in what happens when word-formation processes compete for bases. Based on a sample of English adjectives, this paper examines how two conflicting patterns (-en suffixation and conversion) distribute themselves in the formation of corresponding deadjectival verbs. Focus is on how the two wordformation processes compete for the expression of largely the same meanings, how this competition may have affected the productivity of each type of form, and how this conflict is resolved. In agreement with general principles of linguistic economy, more verbs are lost where there is competition than where there is none. A tendency towards keeping the two forms can be found, and also towards keeping -en suffixation when one of the competing processes is lost. Three variables, phonological, semantic and historical, are examined in the light of data of competing and noncompeting deadjectival verbs for their influence on the outcomes found.
Abstract
This is a case-study in what happens when word-formation processes compete for bases. Based on a sample of English adjectives, this paper examines how two conflicting patterns (-en suffixation and conversion) distribute themselves in the formation of corresponding deadjectival verbs. Focus is on how the two wordformation processes compete for the expression of largely the same meanings, how this competition may have affected the productivity of each type of form, and how this conflict is resolved. In agreement with general principles of linguistic economy, more verbs are lost where there is competition than where there is none. A tendency towards keeping the two forms can be found, and also towards keeping -en suffixation when one of the competing processes is lost. Three variables, phonological, semantic and historical, are examined in the light of data of competing and noncompeting deadjectival verbs for their influence on the outcomes found.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Foreword and acknowledgements vii
- Editors’ introduction 1
- Affixation vs. conversion. 15
- The -alis/-aris allomorphy revisited 33
- French property nouns based on toponyms or ethnic adjectives 53
- Morphological variation in the construction of French names for inhabitants 75
- The invisible hand of grammaticalization 89
- Paradigmatic realignment and morphological change 107
- Areal-typological aspects of word-formation 129
- Variation and change in morphology and syntax 149
- Optional multiple plural marking in Maay 177
- Lettered words 193
- Word creation 201
- Pleonastic morphology dies hard 217
- Index of languages and terms 245
- Index of subjects and terms 247
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Foreword and acknowledgements vii
- Editors’ introduction 1
- Affixation vs. conversion. 15
- The -alis/-aris allomorphy revisited 33
- French property nouns based on toponyms or ethnic adjectives 53
- Morphological variation in the construction of French names for inhabitants 75
- The invisible hand of grammaticalization 89
- Paradigmatic realignment and morphological change 107
- Areal-typological aspects of word-formation 129
- Variation and change in morphology and syntax 149
- Optional multiple plural marking in Maay 177
- Lettered words 193
- Word creation 201
- Pleonastic morphology dies hard 217
- Index of languages and terms 245
- Index of subjects and terms 247
