The Yearbook of Morphology 1999 investigates the complex development of morphological systems over time and addresses current debates in theoretical morphology. This volume, part of a series supporting the resurgence of morphological research, features articles by specialists on diachronic morphology, exploring how languages evolve. It also delves into critical issues such as the interplay between morphology and phonology, including Optimality Theory, the relationship between inflection and word formation, and the formal modeling of inflectional systems. A unique contribution is an article on morphology in sign language, highlighting a novel area of linguistic inquiry, with evidence drawn from a diverse range of languages including Germanic, Romance, and Slavic.

This volume is of interest to theoretical, descriptive, and historical linguists, morphologists, phonologists, and psycholinguists. The collection addresses central topics in current theoretical debates within morphology, making it a frequently referenced resource. Its focus on diachronic aspects and contemporary theoretical issues, alongside a novel look at sign language morphology, positions it as a valuable contribution to the field. The diverse linguistic evidence presented ensures broad relevance for specialists across various sub-disciplines of linguistics.