ARMENIAN DIALECTS OF MIXED MODE OF FORMATION

Abstract

 The dialects of the Armenian language are characterized by a mixed way of forming the present tense. When forming present, these dialects use morphological means characteristic of different dialect branches. Dialects endowed with similar features are usually called intergroup.

The identification of intergroup dialects is dictated by the traditional morphological principle of classification in Armenian dialectology, according to which the main feature of the Um branch is the ending –um of participial forms of the imperfective form, which form the present in the dialects belonging to this branch, the distinctive feature of the S branch is the ending –s, and the L branch is ending of the infinitive. Specific to dialects of affixal formation is the addition of some particle to the participial present forms of grabar.

The existence of dialects of a mixed mode of present formation should be explained by the mutual influence of dialects of different branches, mixing, synthesis of dialect units with different particles. As a result of this, the ancient forms of the present functioned in parallel with the newly formed forms, and this process did not occur immediately, but gradually.

Keywords: Armenian language, intergroup, dialect unit, morphological classification, dialect branch.