Abstract
D.Litt. et Phil.
In this thesis, the independence of the morphological module of the Greek grammar is supported by way of an example which has often been considered as being mid-way between derivation and inflection: the diminutive suffix. Its problematic nature in most languages has led to various treatments, but previous approaches to the Greek diminutive are rare and far between, and none has dealt with the morphological aspect of the diminutive in a systematic way covering the whole spectrum of such suffixes. This thesis is an attempt to remedy this state of affairs by addressing the problems innate in the structure of the diminutive derivative and its subparts, the base of derivation and the diminutive suffix. The base of diminutive derivation is problematic in that it defies the usual definitions (it is neither solely a stem nor root only, although it can be both). The diminutive suffix has also a problematic nature, exhibiting both derivational (e.g. meaning, syntactic category) and inflectional characteristics (e.g. close system). lt, thus, lends itself to be used as an example of that greater linguistic problem, namely whether inflection should be part of the morphological or the syntactic module of the grammar. The model of grammar used for this study, is a generative approach in the lexicalist spirit. In particular, this theory considers morphemes as the basic morphological atom. They are inserted into the Lexicon, carrying their features (morphosyntactic, phonological, semantic) in the form of feature bundles. Features are represented as attribute-value pairs. Single as well as multiple values for a single feature capture the specificities of a morphologically rich language such as Modem Greek (MG). Morphological structures are represented as binary branching trees, hierarchically constructed, and they are subject to the rules of headedness and feature percolation. Morphology is independent of both syntax and phonology although it interacts with both. The lexicon and a featuretheory module interact with both Morphology and Syntax. The results/benefits of this study are manifold. It is shown that a linguistic theory would be better qualified to address MG if derivation and inflection belong to the same module of the grammar, namely morphology. The role of syntax, where the word is concerned, is relegated to the attribution of certain morphosyntactic feature values in the few cases where morphology fails to do so. The base of diminutive derivation is defined. The diminutive suffix is shown to be derivational rather than inflectional, although possessing inflectional characteristics. Phonological, morphological and semantic aspects of both the derivational base and the suffix, are presented, thus allowing for a clearer view of the Greek diminutive's character.