S-Stem Nouns and Adjectives in Greek and Proto-Indo-European: A Diachronic Study in Word Formation
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Author Description
This book deals with one aspect of Greek and Proto-Indo-European nominal morphology, the formation, inflection and semantics of s-stem nouns and adjectives. It uncovers the mechanisms of their creation and shows their limitation. The established view that the nouns are an unproductive category is challenged; at the same time, the expanding and partly changing nature of the basis governing the creation of the adjectives is explained. Morphology and semantics are studied in tandem, and a large chronological span of the Greek language is covered. The historical side is then extended into prehistory, and in particular the Greek evidence is tested against recent theories on Proto-Indo-European ablaut, leading to a reassessment of the morphonological characteristics in question.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This study investigates the morphological and semantic development of s-stem nouns and adjectives within the Greek language and their broader evolution from Proto-Indo-European roots. Torsten Meissner, a specialist in classical philology, utilizes a diachronic approach to analyze how these word forms were created and how their usage shifted over time. By testing Greek linguistic evidence against current theories of Proto-Indo-European ablaut, the author challenges traditional academic assumptions regarding the productivity of these nominal categories.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Detailed analysis of s-stem nominal morphology and inflectional patterns
- Comparative study between Greek evidence and Proto-Indo-European reconstructions
- Examination of the interplay between semantic shifts and morphological changes
- Reassessment of morphonological characteristics in historical linguistics
Scope Limits
- Focus is restricted to s-stem nouns and adjectives rather than the entire Greek nominal system
- The study does not provide a general history of the Greek language, concentrating instead on specific word formation processes
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars in the field of Indo-European linguistics recognize this work as a rigorous technical examination of specific morphological categories. Readers frequently note the high level of academic density and the specialized nature of the linguistic arguments presented throughout the text.
Page Count:
288
Publication Date:
2006-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0191535591
ISBN-13:
9780191535598
Greek language
English & College Success
Indo-European Studies
Historical linguistics
English
Morphology
Linguistics