Formation of adjectives and nouns

Abstract

With three lexical categories—noun, adjective, verb—there are nine theoretical derivational pathways for a transition of an item from one category to another. How adjectives are made from nouns and conversely, as well as how category-internal operations are carried out, is shown in the first two sections. The section ‘other formations’ gives an overview of various unproductive formations. Because of its recursive nature the process of nominal compounding is a particular powerful derivational device. Some special attention is given to derivatives and the use of geographical names, names of nations, peoples, etc. Also, the Persian ezafe construction (izafet) is dealt with, especially because this construction is abundantly present in the older literature. The final three sections discuss and illustrate the formation and usage of three types of deverbal noun.