Understanding Morphology

Understanding Morphology provides an accessible introduction to morphology, the study of word structure, and presents a clear overview of the major theoretical debates in this growing field. At its core, the book revolves around a comparison of the main approaches to morphological structure, which are discussed in the context of a continuum rather than regarded as separate entities. Adopting a balanced view to assessing these theories, and fully updated throughout, this third edition also features:

Discussion of morphological phenomena from a wide variety of the world’s languages

Presentation of the interfaces between morphology and syntax, and between morphology and phonology

A brand new chapter on Doing morphological analysis covering principles of descriptive analysis

Expanded exploratory exercises to challenge readers beyond the content of each chapter

New and freely available online materials, including data sets to correspond to the exploratory exercises, extra guidance for readers on how to tackle these exercises, and extended illustrations of descriptive morphological analysis.

Each of the twelve chapters also features a short summary, suggestions for further reading and exercises with answers provided. Combined with the book’s theoretical discussion and balanced approach, these features make Understanding Morphology the ideal book for both students of linguistics and researchers in morphology seeking a clear overview of the subject.