Abstract
THE FORMATIVES, or non-inflexional prefixes and affixes, constitute perhaps the most neglected field in the study of comparative Semitic grammar. treatment of these elements is confined as a rule to mere tabulations. We find lists of prefixes, affixes, and occasionally of infixes, capable of modifying the meaning of nominal and verbal bases in one form or another, but little has been done towards ascertaining the original values, and functions of such determinants. Of late there have been isolated indications that the subject may soon come into its own. Concrete results cannot be expected, however, for some time to come. It will require the concerted efforts of many scholars and much constructive discussion and criticism before real progress has been made in this particular department of Semitic linguistics. At two successive annual meetings of the American Oriental Society I discussed certain aspects of this problem and submitted general conclusions. My principal purpose was to direct attention to a virtually untapped field. subjects discussed were So-called Causative Conjugation and The So-called Feminine Ending (a)t.,' inadequacy of our knowledge of these topics is reflected fairly well by these qualified titles. To test the validity of my tentative conclusions these papers are now summed up in printed form. statements are far from complete. A thorough treatment of each subject would call for a monograph of respectable proportions. next best thing is to confine illustrative material and references' to the barest minimum and to concen-
Published Version
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