Stem Alternations in Swiss Rumantsch

The present paper continues an extended conversation with Martin Maiden (Anderson 2008; Maiden 2008; Anderson 2010, 2011; Maiden 2011) about the analysis of stem alternations in one form of Swiss Rumantsch, Surmiran as spoken in the area of Savognin and the surrounding communities. Over time, our analyses have shown some convergence, but important differences remain. Some of these, such as the status of the verb dueir (viewed as defective by me, and as suppletive by Maiden) will not be addressed here, because there are no new facts available, and Maiden and I simply disagree on some points in the interpretation of what is known. My intention here is to provide some further context and interpretation in support of the analysis I have offered in previous work, suggesting (a) that the corresponding facts in other Swiss Rumantsch languages call for an analysis similar to that which is motivated for the Surmiran of Savognin; and (b) that some additional additional facts from forms of Rumantsch provide additional support for that analysis and do not undermine it as Maiden suggests.