Poly synthesis is a term used to describe highly synthetic languages with a high number of morphemes combined to form a single word.
Polysynthetic languages exhibit complex verb systems with bound affixes, non-configurational structures, and extensive use of derivational morphemes.
Deep dives
Poly synthesis: A highly synthetic language with a high morpheme-to-word ratio
Poly synthesis is a term used to describe highly synthetic languages, where a high number of morphemes are combined to form a single word. The term is often used to describe the languages of North America, although the exact definition of poly synthesis is not clear. Some characteristics associated with poly synthetic languages include noun incorporation, non-configurational structure, and head marking. These languages can have complex verb systems but simpler noun systems, and often utilize bound affixes to encode various functions such as adverbs, motion, location, and modal verbs.
Varieties of Poly synthesis: Affixal and Compositional Poly synthesis
Poly synthesis can be further classified into affixal and compositional poly synthesis. Affixal poly synthesis is characterized by a templatic structure, where morphemes are expected to appear in specific slots within a word. These languages tend to have a high number of bound morphemes and only one free morpheme per word. Compositional poly synthesis, on the other hand, allows for more than one free morpheme per word, often through processes like noun incorporation and verb serialization. While both types can be considered poly synthetic, compositional poly synthesis allows for greater flexibility in word formation and meaning derivation.
Polysynthetic Languages: Examples and Features
Polysynthetic languages are found in regions such as North and South America, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and Siberia. Navajo and Inuit languages are among the well-known examples of polysynthetic languages. These languages exhibit complex verb systems with extensive use of bound affixes to encode various meanings like noun incorporation and motion. Additionally, polysynthetic languages tend to be ergative and have non-configurational structures. They also use head marking and exhibit extensive use of derivational morphemes, where multiple meanings are combined within a single word. The complexity and diversity of these languages make them fascinating to study and conlang.
Constructing Polysynthetic Languages
Constructing a polysynthetic language involves several considerations. One approach is to start with polypersonal agreement, where the verb agrees with multiple arguments, such as the subject and object. This can lead to pro drop and the incorporation of subject and object pronouns as affixes on the verb. Studying the historical development of languages like ancient Egyptian, which evolved into a polysynthetic language, can provide valuable insights. When constructing polysynthetic languages, it is important to consider the order of affixes, the use of derivational morphemes, and the potential for verb serialization and noun incorporation. Looking closely at existing polysynthetic languages can serve as a useful model for developing new languages.
Today, we take a little time to talk about the topic of polysynthesis Top of Show Greeting: Gothic (translated by Roman Rausch) Links and Resources: Nootkan/Southern Wakashan grammar (featured on episode 41) ZBB thread on polysynthesis Nice Inuit article Iñupiatun Eskimo dictionary Ancient Egyptian (Amazon link) Feedback: Hello, I’ve posted in the comments as Panglott a... Read more »
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode