The affix-stem distinction: A Cognitive Grammar analysis of data from Orizaba Nahuatl

Like many other linguistic distinctions, the difference between stems and affixes is seen by Cognitive Grammar äs gradual rather than dichotomous. The primary parameter for this gradation is that o/dependence, with affixes dependent both semantically andphonologically, and stems relatively autonomous. This dependence is closely related to external complexity, the degree to which a form is linked to and thus expected to participate in a larger construction: affixes, since they are constantly combined with stems, are externally complex to a high degree. Other traditionally recognizedparameter s ofthe stem-affix distinction, such äs semantic and phonological weight, size and openness of the class to which a form belongs, and productivity, naturally tend to run parallel with dependence, and thus characterize prototypical stems and affixes. The validity of the traditional distinction and of the parameters on which it is based is thus maintained, but since the distinction is not absolute, the analysis allowsfor marginal phenomena. A number of phenomena from Orizaba Nahuatl can be insightfully describedfrom this perspective, including affix-like stems, stem-like affixes, stemless prefixsuffix combinations, lexical items that, synchronically or diachronically, have both stem and affix subcases, "particles", "cran" morphs, and phonologically lightweight stems consisting ofas little äs a single consonant.