mellantyper
Mellantyper is a term used in linguistic typology to designate languages or varieties that occupy an intermediate position between established typological categories, typically between analytic (isolating) and synthetic (agglutinative or fusional) systems. The label signals a continuum rather than a discrete class, acknowledging that many languages exhibit both isolating and synthetic features across domains such as morphology, syntax, or lexicon.
Etymology and usage context: The form combines mellan-, from the meaning "between" in several Scandinavian languages,
Core features: Mellantyper descriptions emphasize gradient morphosyntactic characteristics, including partial affixation, mixed word-order tendencies, and cross-domain
Methodology and usage: As a conceptual tool, mellantyper can be used in typological mapping, cross-linguistic surveys,
Criticism and status: Since mellantyper is not universally standardized, it is often viewed as a heuristic