Linguistics ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-16-2023

Abstract

Despite presenting challenges for speakers, complex linguistic features such as lexically conditioned inflection (LCI) persist across different languages. LCI forms part of not entirely predictable paradigms which require lexeme-specific knowledge to master. Moreover, LCI remains one of the oldest morphological phenomena in certain languages. Previous research has linked the persistence of such complexity to language-external factors like geographic and social circumstances of speech communities.

This dissertation delves into the question whether language-internal properties are associated with the distribution of inflectional complexity. LCI is compared with other inflectional paradigms across 41 genetically and geographically distant languages. The study shows that LCI is mostly found in phonologically prominent syllables and obligatory paradigms, suggesting that its persistence is attributable to the interaction of different levels of language structure. These findings underscore the relevance for usage-based theories to integrate structural effects into the factors that stabilize morphological complexity.

Project Sponsors

Center for Regional Studies, Graduate Studies

Language

English

Keywords

morphology, phonology, linguistic complexity, typology, stability, functionalism

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Linguistics

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Linguistics

First Committee Member (Chair)

Caroline Smith

Second Committee Member

Kilu von Prince

Third Committee Member

Melvatha Chee

Fourth Committee Member

William Croft

Fifth Committee Member

Melissa Axelrod

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