Contemporary Morphological Theories

In spite of the central position that the concept word has among the basic units of language structure, there is no consensus as to the definition of this concept (or network of related concepts). Many perspectives are needed in order to gain even a schematic idea of what words are, how words may be composed, and what relationships there might be between words. Many linguists have put forward frameworks for describing the domain of morphology, each framework proceeding from its author's assumptions, prioritizing distinct formal and functional dimensions, and therefore entering into de facto competition. This book addresses the needs of the language scholar/student who finds her/himself engaged in morphological analysis and theorizing. It offers a guide to existing approaches, revealing how they can either complement or compete with each other.

“Stewart's engagingly written and thought-provoking survey reveals an impressive command of disparate models, skilfully dissected and compared. This is a unique, and uniquely valuable, resource. Andrew J. Spencer, University of Essex ”

In this unique guide, Stewart presents cogent synopses of over a dozen current theories of morphology, then puts them to the test on a level playing field, in a kind of morphological triathlon comprising Scottish Gaelic case marking, Georgian verb agreement and Sanskrit gerund formation. An indispensable work of reference.--Gregory Stump, University of Kentucky
Stewart's engagingly written and thought-provoking survey reveals an impressive command of disparate models, skilfully dissected and compared. This is a unique, and uniquely valuable, resource.--Andrew J. Spencer, University of Essex

Thomas W. Stewart is Assistant Professor of Linguistics at the University of Louisville. His publications include articles and book chapters on morphology. He has also published on historical and contact linguistics, as well as on teaching introductory linguistics.

'Stewart's engagingly written and thought-provoking survey reveals an impressive command of disparate models, skilfully dissected and compared. This is a unique, and uniquely valuable, resource.'Andrew J. Spencer, Department of Language and Linguistics, University of Essex'In this unique guide, Stewart presents cogent synopses of over a dozen current theories of morphology, then puts them to the test on a level playing field, in a kind of morphological triathlon comprising Scottish Gaelic case marking, Georgian verb agreement and Sanskrit gerund formation. An indispensable work of reference.'Gregory Stump, University of KentuckyWhat are words? How are they composed? And what are the relationships between them?In spite of the central position that the concept 'word' has amongst the basic units of language structure, there is still no real consensus as to how this concept, or network of related concepts, should be defined. Addressing the needs of language researchers and advanced linguistics students, Contemporary Morphological Theories: A User's Guide provides a valuable guide to existing approaches in morphological analysis. Analysing three descriptive challenges for morphology (Scottish Gaelic nouns, Georgian verbs, and Sanskrit compound verbs), and comparing and contrasting the backgrounds and fundamentals of leading approaches to word structure and lexical relationships, this book explores the way each framework proceeds from its author's basic assumptions, revealing how they can either complement or compete with other approaches.Thomas W. Stewart is Assistant Professor of Linguistics at the University of LouisvilleCover image: Detail from 'Pig Turning Into Elephant' by Shen Hao Courtesy of Asia Art CenterCover design: Clifford Hayes[EUP logo]

In spite of the central position that the concept word has among the basic units of language structure, there is no consensus as to the definition of this concept (or network of related concepts). Many perspectives are needed in order to gain even a schematic idea of what words are, how words may be composed, and what relationships there might be between words. Many linguists have put forward frameworks for describing the domain of morphology, each framework proceeding from its author's assumptions, prioritizing distinct formal and functional dimensions, and therefore entering into de facto competition. This book addresses the needs of the language scholar/student who finds her/himself engaged in morphological analysis and theorizing. It offers a guide to existing approaches, revealing how they can either complement or compete with each other.

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