Spanish affixes in the Quechua languages: A multidimensional perspective

In this paper I discuss cases where there has been systematic borrowing of affixes: Spanish elements in different Quechua languages. I will try to study, in this specific case, the different processes through which suffixes have entered the language. I argue that there are four dimensions, four paths through which a Spanish suffix can be incorporated into Quechua: second language (L2)-oriented processes, universally oriented processes, first language (L1)-oriented processes, and processes in which properties of both L1 and L2 play a role. Thus the process of borrowing morphology is far from uniform. Rather, it reflects the complexity of all language contact processes, in which the four dimensions listed play a role.

► Focuses on a range of Spanish affixes borrowed into the Quechua languages. ► Argues that there were four different dimensions to the process of morphological borrowing. ► Places morphological borrowing in the general context of language contact research.