Word Formation in Tigrinya
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Date
1993-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This thesis deals with word formation h I Tigrinya .
It employs the theory of generative morpho l ogy as explained
in Aronoff (1976) and Scalise (1984) among others .
As is the case i n other Semitic l anguages , roots in
Tigrinya can be inputs for word formation and accordi ngly
several nom ina l and verbal patt ern s which are formed from
roots are identified. The se stems/words can be the basis for
other complex words .
The in puts and outputs of complex words are a l so
invest igated. It i s argued that many sufflXes that may look
like derivationals are actually non derivationals. It is
assumed t hat the re are onl y ten der iv ation a l morphemes in
Tigrinya . The study also shows tha : suffixes o' complex
words are heads wherea s prefixes are non -heads. The thes is
re v eal s that Tigr inya compl ex wores are right headed .
Moreover, it is made clear that Ti g rinya compounds are
generally left headed. The y may have plural suffixes added
to them or the feat ure [Tbrok en plural J perco l ated f rom them
to the whole compound.
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Word formation