Diachronic Development of the K-suffixes: Evidence from Classical New Persian, Contemporary Written Persian, and Contemporary Spoken Persian

Abstract This paper aims to investigate the usage and frequency of what we refer as K-suffixes in Classical New Persian ninth thirteenth centuries, Contemporary Written late nineteenth mid-twentieth Spoken Persian. It shows that are most likely be reflexes earlier evaluative morphemes, traditionally called “diminutives,” characterized by a high degree multifunctionality. While functions continue dominate works, they have largely been lost contemporary spoken Persian, suffix is now systematically used express definiteness. The development K-suffix definiteness marker colloquial appears innovative, mainly dependent on genre, speaker, speech situation. Data for taken from critical editions works centuries. data comes comprehensive books fiction an extensive corpus narratives questionnaire answered fifteen speakers. results suggest morphology can develop into marking, with passing through stage combination deictic marker. concludes marking proceed down new pathway different one normally assumed demonstrative-based definite though endpoint may similar. study contributes second detailed documentation this process any Iranian language, few well-documented cases non-demonstrative origin worldwide.