Network Morphology: a Defaults-based Theory of Word Structure

Dunstan Patrick Brown, Andrew Hippisley

Research output: Book/ReportBook

Abstract

Morphology is particularly challenging, because it is pervaded by irregularity and idiosyncrasy. This book is a study of word structure using a specific theoretical framework known as 'Network Morphology'. It describes the systems of rules which determine the structure of words by construing irregularity as a matter of degree, using examples from a diverse range of languages and phenomena to illustrate. Many languages share common word building strategies and many diverge in interesting ways. These strategies can be understood by distinguishing different notions of 'default'. The Network Morphology philosophy promotes the use of computational implementation to check theories. The accompanying website provides the computer coded version of the Network Morphology model of word structure for readers to test, customize and develop. This book will be a valuable contribution to the fields of linguistic typology and morphology and will be welcomed by researchers and graduate students in these areas.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationCambridge
PublisherCambridge University Press
Number of pages346
ISBN (Electronic)9781139200400, 9781139202671
ISBN (Print)9781107005747
Publication statusPublished - 2 Feb 2012

Publication series

NameCambridge Studies in Linguistics
PublisherCambridge University Press
Volume133

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