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In:Exaptation and Language Change
Edited by Muriel Norde and Freek Van de Velde
[Current Issues in Linguistic Theory 336] 2016
► pp. 317–340

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Is the development of linking elements in German a case of exaptation?

Published online: 24 February 2016
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https://doi.org/10.1075/cilt.336.11szc
The development of linking elements in German has usually been analysed as a case of exaptation. In this paper, a more differentiated picture of this development is presented. What at first sight seems to be a clear case of exaptation (old form > new function) turns out to be a complex process consisting of two stages: (1) the development of a first layer of linking vowels in Old High German (new but related function) out of Proto-Germanic primary suffixes (old form); and (2) the subsequent development of a second layer of linking elements from inflectional (genitive) endings. Based on historical evidence, it is argued that the second stage should be analysed as a case of formal renovation. This is due to the fact that this reinforcement took place while the old linking system was still productive.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.What is exaptation?
  • 3.Linking elements out of junk? The developmental path derivational suffix > primary suffix > linking element
    • 3.1Primary suffixes in inflectional forms (from Indo-European to Old High German)
    • 3.2Primary suffixes in compounds
  • 4.Linking elements from inflectional suffixes
    • 4.1Improper compounds in West Germanic and Old High German
    • 4.2The case of the OHG linking +ir+
    • 4.3The development of linking elements from Middle to New High German
  • 5.The development of linking elements – an exaptation?
  • 6.Summary
  • Notes
  • References
References (50)
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