intersuffixes

An intersuffix is a linguistic element that is inserted into the middle of a word, rather than being attached to the beginning or end. This is a relatively rare phenomenon in many languages, as suffixes typically attach to the end of a root word and prefixes to the beginning. Interfixes, also known as infixes, are more commonly found in some languages than others.

In linguistics, the term "infix" is often used interchangeably with "intersuffix" when referring to an element that is inserted within a word. These insertions can alter the meaning or grammatical function of the word. For example, in some Austronesian languages, infixes are used to form plurals or to create different verb tenses.

The process of inserting an intersuffix can be complex, often involving syllable structure and phonological rules of the specific language. The placement of the intersuffix is not arbitrary; it follows established patterns. While English has very few native infixes, some loanwords or slang terms might exhibit infix-like behavior. However, these are often considered irregular or marginal. The study of intersuffixes is part of morphology, the branch of linguistics that deals with the structure of words. Understanding their function helps in analyzing the word-formation processes of diverse languages.