Helen (Helen Martha Burns)
Imhoff s. xx–xxi
2019
This article discusses the early Irish adjective de(i)n, found particularly frequently in verse, in order to investigate the validity of DIL's statement that it is indeclinable. A collection of examples of the adjective is analysed with regard to statements made by Meyer, Pokorny and Marstrander concerning the stem of de(i)n, and DIL's claim is assessed against this background. Problematic examples are discussed in detail and a range of interpretations is considered. In conclusion, while none of the theories put forward can explain all instances of de(i)n given in this article, DIL's statement regarding indeclinability should not be accepted without question.
This article discusses the early Irish adjective de(i)n, found particularly frequently in verse, in order to investigate the validity of DIL's statement that it is indeclinable. A collection of examples of the adjective is analysed with regard to statements made by Meyer, Pokorny and Marstrander concerning the stem of de(i)n, and DIL's claim is assessed against this background. Problematic examples are discussed in detail and a range of interpretations is considered. In conclusion, while none of the theories put forward can explain all instances of de(i)n given in this article, DIL's statement regarding indeclinability should not be accepted without question.