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to be the independent nonfinal suffix -ki but morpho-
phonemics eliminate that possibility, as the morphopho-
nemics of -kipta- follow the three-vowel rule, while -ki
independent suffix takes a preceding vowel. Morphopho-
nemics also distinguish -kipta- verbalizer from the
verbal derivationals -kipa- plus -ta- (see 6-2.15.1 and
6-2.16).

5-4 Summary and Conclusions

5-4.1 Types of variation in the noun system

In general, variation in the Aymara noun system
is not extensive. There are two main types: internal
and external. Internal variation includes differences
in the phonological shape of morphemes (roots and suf-
fixes) due to instability of certain phonemes and to
operation of different phonotactically conditioned rules.
Other kinds of internal variation are found in the morpho-
phonemics of suffixes and in the inventory and meaning
of certain roots and suffixes.

External variation in the noun system involves
the introduction of Spanish loans. These have entered
the open class of noun roots freely and continue to do
so. Some dialects may use a Spanish loan where others
may use a native Aymara term; some examples of this are

given in 8-3.1. The only closed classes of Aymara nouns