I
would like to thank with deep respect Prof. Anvita Abbi, my supervisor (and my
teacher of Linguistics for nine years) without whom I would not have been able
to start this work, much less finish it. She introduced me to the field of morphology
and guided me with great generosity, enthusiasm and constructive criticism. I
am very fortunate to have been her student.
My
everlasting gratitude goes to my parents who (inspite of their not knowing what
Linguistics is all about) have been supporting me all these years with hope and
understanding. Without their encouragement, I would not have been emboldened to
take up this research.