An example of the variant suffixes -ica and -ka in feminatives derived from masculine words ending in -or and -ator

The article examines feminatives as a semantic and word-formation category. In Slavic languages are mainly regarded modificational derivatives formed from masculine by the whole replacement of suffix (bor-(-ec/-k?), partial (bra-l/(-ec/-ka), or adding feminine to (miz-ar/-ka). Due expansion global communication through mass media, inevitable broadening vocabulary requires adaptation borrowed words morphemic, morphological paradigms borrowing language. As consequence, it comes no surprise that same base often have two more variants suffixes (dekan-ica - dekan-ka dekan-ja). Three examples variant -ica -ka added nouns ending in -or -ator, which foreign origin, examined this paper. purpose study is establish productive how they conform established patterns. cases formations using its -ator (in addition -tor, -itor -utor) category living beings show variability such Slovene, Serbian Slovakian, dependent on existence an appropriate nominal verbal consistently deverbal, while Slovakian either denominal deverbal. focuses three koordinator, selektor senator, their combine with (-ka -ica). pattern Slovene predicts will form -ka, -ica. example koordinator- ka (from koordin-ator) selektor-ica selekt-or), usage confirms pattern. However, there deviation senatorka senat-or), where feminative senator-ica would be predicted. offers possible answer question deviations predictable patterns contrast actual use suffixes. It clear language users guided different analogies when words. Although these may not linguistically supported, important motivating formation many new words, especially those bases. user depends recognition formal structure word able choose less clear, since based root derivational morphemes.