Regularity and Exceptions

The topic of this chapter is how the evolution of variation and irregularity can be dealt with in a minimalistic model of the paradigmatic system. The synchronically highly complex paradigmatic patterns cannot or can hardly be explained by a traditional macro‐level analysis that utilizes a high number of stem and suffix classes and their triggering factors. The micro‐level analysis that invokes direct connections (analogies) between sets of forms is able to explain why and how these complex gradual patterns emerge from simpler phonologically motivated patterns via diachronic trajectories. The key concept is the proximity (adjacency) of sets of forms (generalized paradigm cells) which is defined by their similarity. The adjacency relation between paradigm cells defines the stability status of a particular cell: forms in unstable cells tend to show variation and in this way they are subject to potential diachronic change. This change can result in an intricate pattern of paradigmatic organization.