suffixummals

Suffixummals are a theoretical class of affixes described in speculative linguistics and worldbuilding. They attach to the end of an existing suffix sequence, creating a second-order suffix that modifies the meaning of the whole derivation rather than the base stem alone. In effect, they are suffixes of suffixes.

Origin and scope: The term is coined to discuss nested suffixation patterns observed or imagined in constructed languages. Suffixummals are typically treated as optional, language-specific devices that expand the expressive capacity of suffix networks.

Morphology: Word structure follows a general order: root + primary suffixes + suffixummal(s). Several suffixummals may stack, with each contributing a distinct semantic layer such as aspect (habitual or iterative), evidentiality, mood, or evaluative stance. Phonological adjustments may occur at layer boundaries.

Typology and parallels: Suffixummals resemble circumfixes or suffixal clitics in some analyses, but their defining feature is placement after a primary suffix. They are primarily discussed in conlang literature and typology studies rather than in mainstream descriptivist linguistics.

Examples (hypothetical): In Language X, root verb 'larn' with suffix '-en' yields 'larnen' meaning 'to learn as a process.' A suffixummal '-mi' attached to that suffix yields 'larnen-mi,' meaning 'to learn habitually.' In a noun form, 'book' + '-ish' becomes 'bookish'; with suffixummal '-er' becomes 'bookish-er,' a meta-evaluative form meaning 'more bookish.' A third form, adjective 'bright' + '-en' forming 'brighten' + suffixummal '-ly' yields 'brighten-ly' meaning 'in a bright manner with added degree.'

See also: affix, suffix, morphology, conlang, circumfix.