On the derivation of nominals in -(y)Iſ and -mE in Turkish

Abstract In this paper we address the problem presented by the syntax and semantics of two types of nominals derived by the suffixes -(y)Iſ and -mE in Turkish. We show that each derived nominal form in -(y)Iſ and -mE can be considered as originating either in a verb or in a clause and we identify the criteria that can allow to determine what kind of derivation a given form is an example of. Adopting a lexicalist stance, we then show how a Generative Lexicon can provide an adequate representation of the semantics of the base verb and how lexical rules we designed capture the semantics of the derived nominals. We finally show how these rules allow various predictions to be made regarding productivity and compatibility with matrix predicates.