On Using the Two-level Model as the Basis of Morphological Analysis and Synthesis of Estonian

The paper deals with the problems of describing the Estonian morphological system in the two-level formalism, developed by Kimmo Koskenniemi, The outlines of Estonian morphology are drawn. The basics of the two-level model are given and illustrated with real examples from the experimental Estonian two-level morphology (EETwoLM) composed by the author. A detailed example of step-by-step morphological synthesis is given referring to all the relevant lexicons and rules. The compilation and testing processes using the XEROX finite-state software tools are described. Examples of morphological analysis and synthesis are demonstrated. The present stage of the system is characterised and the future perspectives are drawn. Finally, the suitability of the two-level model for the description of Estonian morphology is discussed.