Explanation
The modification of a word form to indicate grammatical features without forming a new lexeme. In the atlas, the term is not treated in isolation: it links word form and grammatical relationship. This reveals the distinctions that form enables and how it relates to adjacent phenomena.
Example
Haus – Häusern marks number and case.
Counterexample
Häuschen is derivation, not inflection.
Distinction
“Häuschen” is a derivation, not an inflection.
Effect on thought and perception
The term draws attention to the connection between word form and grammatical relationship. What previously appeared to be a uniform process becomes perceptible as a structured relationship.
Resonance
Resonance arises when inflection is not merely named but experienced as a dynamic interplay between form, expectation, and effect.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Inflection“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-088-008. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-088-008The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.