Explanation
A morpheme can assume different forms depending on its context without losing its grammatical or lexical function. Identity does not lie in identical form.
Example
The plural forms in “Hund-e,” “Kind-er,” and “Auto-s.”
Counterexample
“Hund” and “Katze” are different lexemes, not allomorphs.
Distinction
Distinguish from allophone, which refers to variants of a phoneme.
Effect on thought and perception
Resolves the equation between identical function and identical surface form.
Resonance
An abstract unit appears in multiple forms and yet remains recognizable.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Allomorph“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-103-007. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-103-007The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.