Basic Formative Elements of the Micmac Verb

Abstract

Words in Micmac are composed of hierarchially distinct formative elements. Traditionally, in Algonkian studies those elements have been labelled preverb, root, medial, verb final and inflection. An analysis will show the presence of these same formative elements in Micmac.

A single formative element in Micmac may however, play more than one grammatical role depending on its relationship to the other formatives. For example, an initial element such as tel(i), thus may be either a preverb or root depending on its relationship to the following formatives.

The morphology of such alternatives will be examined and an analysis of fundamental word formative patterns presented.