The problem of lexical categories and root class determination is fundamental in linguistic description and theory. Research on this topic has been particularly stimulated by studies of Amerindian languages. The essays in this collection, written by specialists in languages from South, Middle and North America, provide new insights into processes, levels, functions, and the aquisition of lexical categories, from various recent theoretical perspectives. The volume also addresses recent debates about root indeterminacy. Focusing on morphosyntax, phonology, and semantics, the contributions offer invaluable material for typological generalizations and for comprehension of the nature of the mental lexicon.

Contents:

Ximena Lois/Valentina Vapnarsky: Introduction Bruna Franchetto: Are Kuikuro Roots Lexical Categories? Ximena Lois/Valentina Vapnarsky: Root Indeterminacy and Polyvalence in Yukatekan Mayan Languages Marcia Haag: Thematic Structure and Lexemes: A Comparison of Choctaw and Cherokee Word Formation Eliane Camargo: Lexical Categories and Word Formation Processes in Wayana Marisa Malvestitti: Polyvalence in Mapuzungun: Contributions from a Patagonian Variety of the Language Aurore Monod Becquelin: Categories and Compounding in Tzeltal: A Preliminary Approach Francesc Queixalós: The Primacy and Fate of Predicativity in Tupi-Guarani Johannes Helmbrecht: Are there Adjectives in Hocak (Winnebago)? Barbara Pfeiler: Polyvalence in the Acquisition of Early Lexicon in Yucatec Maya Richard Carter: Polycategoriality and Predictability: Problems and Prospects.