Die sogenannte i-Derivation in der deutschen Gegenwartssprache : Ein Fall für output-orientierte Wortbildung

Abstract

This paper deals with the currently very productive process of i-formation in German. It is argued that in forming i-derived words speakers try to instantiate as closely as possible a specific schema with attributes such as the following: trochaic word structure with the unstressed final segment i, masculine gender assignment, human, and hypocoristic/pejorative meaning. The prototypical instances are defined by a maximal number of attributes. Consequently, a distinction has to be made between central and peripheral members of this formation type.