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In:Historical Linguistics 2017: Selected papers from the 23rd International Conference on Historical Linguistics, San Antonio, Texas, 31 July – 4 August 2017
Edited by Bridget Drinka
[Current Issues in Linguistic Theory 350] 2020
► pp. 183–204

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Ablaut pattern extension as partial regularization strategy in German and Luxembourgish

 | University of Mainz
Published online: 9 July 2020
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https://doi.org/10.1075/cilt.350.09now
Abstract
The present contribution considers the nature of ablaut pattern extension and the determinants contributing to it. Following Morphological Economy Theory (e.g., Werner, 1987), it argues that analogical pattern extensions are highly functional, i.e., they constitute frequency-driven partial regularization strategies within verbal systems. This assumption is supported by diachronic and empirical data from two case studies: In German, low-frequency strong verbs reduced stem allomorphy by adopting the Class II pattern [o pret =o pp ], a partial leveling that may precede the weakening of strong forms (e.g., bellen – ball – gebollen → boll – gebollen → bellte – gebellt ‘to bark’). In Luxembourgish, a uniform preterite marker ou emerged as a consequence of drastic preterite loss.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Two case studies
    • 2.1Paradigm leveling, pattern extension, and regularizations
    • 2.2German
      • 2.2.1The analogical basis of [o pret  = o pp ]
      • 2.2.2The pattern [o pret  = o pp ] as a partial regularization strategy
    • 2.3Luxembourgish
  • 3.Crux of the matter
  • Notes
  • Abbreviations
  • References
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