Koppelinvoeging

Koppelinvoeging is a term used in Dutch linguistics that combines the words koppeling (link or coupling) and invoeging (insertion). The expression is not a standard or universally defined category in major reference grammars, and its precise meaning can vary between authors. In general, the concept refers to the insertion of a linking element between constituents, morphemes, or word components to achieve a particular phonological, morphological, or syntactic effect.

In linguistic analyses, koppelinvoeging is often discussed as a type of linking operation. This can involve inserting a small morpheme, clitic, interfix, or even an auxiliary sound between parts of a compound or phrase to facilitate pronunciation, signal a grammatical relation, or disambiguate meaning. The phenomenon is interdisciplinary in scope, crossing areas such as morphology, phonology, and syntax, and it is sometimes treated as the Dutch counterpart of concepts like interfixation or linking particles found in other languages.

Because the term is not widely standardized, researchers may differ in whether they categorize specific cases as koppelinvoeging, and they may use different labels for related processes. When encountered in scholarly work, it is important to consult the exact definition and examples provided by the author, as the intended scope can range from theoretical abstractions to concrete observations in dialectal or contact varieties.

See also: interfix, clitic, linking particle, compound word, morphophonology.