Avledningspunkt

Avledningspunkt is a term used in linguistics to describe the point in a word’s morphology where derivation takes place. It denotes the base form, stem, or lemma from which new words are built through derivational processes such as affixation and compounding. In many analyses, the avledningspunkt is treated as the reference node in a morphological tree, with affixes or additional morphemes attaching to it to form related forms or new lexical categories.

The exact definition and scope of avledningspunkt vary among theoretical traditions. Some frameworks equate avledningspunkt with the stem or root; others reserve it for the base before any derivational steps have applied. Because languages differ in how tightly morphology is integrated with syntax, the concept is most useful as a descriptive tool for word-formation patterns rather than as an immutable category.

In practical analysis, the avledningspunkt helps explain how a family of related words is formed. For example, from a base form such as a noun, derivational elements may be added to create adjectives or other nouns, and the original noun can be treated as the avledningspunkt for that chain. In longer derivational sequences, affixes or compounds can be traced back to the avledningspunkt to show the historical development of the words.

Relation to other terms varies by tradition. The concept is related to, but not identical with, root, stem, or lemma, and some linguists prefer to use those terms instead of avledningspunkt. The term appears in discussions of word formation, morphology, and historical linguistics as a handy way to describe the starting point of derivation.