Theq-calculus for genericq andq a root of unity

Theq-calculus for genericq is developed and related to the deformed oscillator of parameterq ^1/2. By passing with care to the limit in whichq is a root of unity, one uncovers the full algebraic structure ofZ _n -graded fractional supersymmetry and its natural representation.Presented at the 5th International Colloquium on Quantum Groups: Quantum Groups and Integrable Systems, Prague, 20–22 June 1996.This paper describes research supported in part by E.P.S.R.C and P.P.A.R.C. (UK) and by the C.I.C.Y.T (Spain). J.C.P.B. wishes to acknowledge an FPI grant from the CSIC and the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science.