Zero-derived forms in the mental lexicon: Experimental evidence from Italian

Abstract Our paper investigates how zero-affixed verbal forms (specifically, denominal and deadjectival verbs) are processed by native speakers of Italian during visual word recognition. More specifically, we verify whether, possibly to what extent, the processing such differs from or resembles verbs resulting two other productive formation schemas in Italian, i. e., suffixation parasynthesis. The interest a comparison lies fact that three considered behave similarly functional point view, e.: i) they all change category base, ii) select same base (nouns adjectives), iii) show similar semantic characteristics. However, this shared function is realized means different formal exponents (both overt covert) which might imply degrees complexity. Crucially, parasynthesis display an derivational marking, while zero-affixation obviously does not. On premises, whether strength connections between morphologically complex words their bases affected nature transcategorization marking (overt v mathvariant="italic">s vs factors play more determining role, conducted psycholinguistic experiment involving lexical decision task combined with masked priming paradigm, allows focusing on relations mental lexicon. Results indicate suffixed but parasynthetic forms. We interpret results discussing possibility perception morphological relationship depend less overtness overall complexity process.