Nouns with the Suffix -istas, -ė in the Aspect of Variation, Norm and Substandardization of the Current Standard Lithuanian Language

Abstract

The article examines nouns with the suffix -istas, -ė used to denote persons. These words are characterised by variation, norm fluctuation and innovation in the current Lithuanian language. The article aims to determine potential connections between the usage of new hybrid derivatives with this suffix and the process of sub-standardization of the standard Lithuanian language, which bears significant similarities to the dynamics observed in European standard languages.

Until the beginning of the 21st century, the suffix -istas, -ė in Lithuanian was mostly found in loanwords used to name people based on their profession, activity, etc. After examining neologisms of this type recorded in the Lithuanian neologism database, as well as their semantic features and usage contexts, structural and functional innovations are found. First, in lower-prestige usage of Lithuanian (sub-standard), there is an increase in hybrid derivatives that combine native roots with the borrowed suffix -istas, -ė. Second, about two-thirds of these hybrids carry negative connotations and are used to denote persons engaged in undesirable, unproductive, or harmful activities. Their entering into the standard Lithuanian language (mainstem media) can be seen as one of the indicators of sub-standardization of the standard Lithuanian.