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Weak Declension

Page history last edited by David 14 years, 7 months ago
Weak Nominal Declension

The weak declension of nouns is nothing more than n-stem nominal formation. In principle it is no different from the formation of r-stems or nd-stems: the affix -Vn- intercedes between nominal root and endings, where V is some vowel. Just as brōþar 'brother' is inherently an r-stem noun (employing no other formations), likewise weak nouns are inherently weak, i.e. only n-stem. While adjectives may employ strong or weak declension according to contextual demands, a given noun by contrast employs only one declension at all times: a weak noun always declines weak, a strong noun always strong.

http://www.utexas.edu/cola/centers/lrc/eieol/gotol-4-X.html#Got04_GP16

 

an-jan-wan-stems

These nouns are typically masculine and neuter.

 

 

  SINGULAR   Zero-grade  
  masculine neuter masculine neuter
N -a -o -a -o
A -an -o -an -o
G -ins -ins -s -ins
D -in -in no affix -in
  PLURAL      
  masculine neuter    
N -ans -óna -s -nans  
A -ans -óna -s -nans  
G -ane -ane -(n)e -(n)e
D -am -am -(n)am -(n)e

The zero-grade formation of certain nouns generalized the n-stem. The Vn-affix is essentially zeroed out, leaving the 'n' of the affix plus the appropriate case suffix.

It only affects some an-stems.

 

ón-jón-wón-stems

All of these nouns are feminine.

 

  SINGULAR
N -o
A -ón
G -óns
D -ón
  PLURAL
N -óns
A -óns
G -óno
D -óm

 

in-stems

All of these nouns are feminine.

 

  SINGULAR
N -ei
A -ein
G -eins
D -ein
  PLURAL
N -eins
A -eins
G -eino
D -eim

 

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