Conversion in Morphology

Abstract This book is a comprehensive description of morphological conversion/zero-derivation. Part I describes the theory of conversion as a set of 10 main questions (e.g. Part I, Chapter 10, Directionality), preceded by an overview in the form of a position chapter by the editors. Part II describes the peculiarities of conversion in a range of languages from several families. The two parts are closely related and the chapters are tightly bound together, because a number of questions that are still open in the theories of conversion arise from the varied interpretations and specificities of the process across languages. At the same time, a better knowledge of how conversion works across languages is key to a more accurate assessment of the theory or theories of conversion, and of its types. The two parts contribute a comprehensive account of this process, as regards both the theory of how the process works (Part I), and how the process manifests itself in various languages (Part II). Therefore, renowned authors from various theoretical backgrounds and languages where conversion occurs differently are involved.