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Chapter 1. Towards a competition-based word-formation theory

Core research questions and major hypotheses
  • Akiko Nagano , Alexandra Bagasheva and Vincent Renner
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Competition in Word-Formation
This chapter is in the book Competition in Word-Formation

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the study of competition in word-formation theories, drawing on the findings of the ten chapters collected in this volume and other recent contributions. It explores recurrent issues regarding (i) the triggers and outcomes of competition, (ii) the variety of competing forms, and (iii) the synonymy condition for competition. With respect to the first set of research questions, a binary typology of form-based and meaning-based resolutions is identified, with each pole providing multiple ways to resolve competition. Next, for the form-related research questions, the distinction between macro‑ and micro-level competition is significant. Finally, the synonymy condition is reassessed through a careful comparison between morphologically simplex and complex lexemes, leading to a definition of competing rivals in word-formation as a set of formally suppletive morphological processes that produce propositional, near, or sense synonyms.

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the study of competition in word-formation theories, drawing on the findings of the ten chapters collected in this volume and other recent contributions. It explores recurrent issues regarding (i) the triggers and outcomes of competition, (ii) the variety of competing forms, and (iii) the synonymy condition for competition. With respect to the first set of research questions, a binary typology of form-based and meaning-based resolutions is identified, with each pole providing multiple ways to resolve competition. Next, for the form-related research questions, the distinction between macro‑ and micro-level competition is significant. Finally, the synonymy condition is reassessed through a careful comparison between morphologically simplex and complex lexemes, leading to a definition of competing rivals in word-formation as a set of formally suppletive morphological processes that produce propositional, near, or sense synonyms.

Chapters in this book

  1. 日本言語政策学会 / Japan Association for Language Policy. 言語政策 / Language Policy 10. 2014 i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. Chapter 1. Towards a competition-based word-formation theory 1
  4. Part 1. Competition in affixation
  5. Chapter 2. A lexicalist approach to affixal rivalry and its explanatory basis 34
  6. Chapter 3. Actional nominalization in Present-Day English in the light of the Referenced Index of Competition 72
  7. Chapter 4. Measuring affix rivalry as a gradient relationship 104
  8. Chapter 5. Exploring linguistic competition in English derivatives ending in ‑ ie and ‑ o through a cognitive-onomasiological approach 139
  9. Chapter 6. Diminutive formation in Modern Greek 176
  10. Part 2. Macro-level competition, the lexicon and its interfaces
  11. Chapter 7. Competition between affixation and conversion in Present-Day English denominal verbs 208
  12. Chapter 8. A diachronic perspective on competition in denominal verb formation in Italian 247
  13. Chapter 9. Competition of lexicon vs. pragmatics in word formation 275
  14. Chapter 10. [N1 + N2], [N + A], and [N1 + de + N2] 297
  15. Chapter 11. Revisiting Poser’s (1992) “Blocking of phrasal constructions by lexical items” from the perspective of the economy of language use principle 326
  16. Index 351
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.284.01nag

Chapters in this book

  1. 日本言語政策学会 / Japan Association for Language Policy. 言語政策 / Language Policy 10. 2014 i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. Chapter 1. Towards a competition-based word-formation theory 1
  4. Part 1. Competition in affixation
  5. Chapter 2. A lexicalist approach to affixal rivalry and its explanatory basis 34
  6. Chapter 3. Actional nominalization in Present-Day English in the light of the Referenced Index of Competition 72
  7. Chapter 4. Measuring affix rivalry as a gradient relationship 104
  8. Chapter 5. Exploring linguistic competition in English derivatives ending in ‑ ie and ‑ o through a cognitive-onomasiological approach 139
  9. Chapter 6. Diminutive formation in Modern Greek 176
  10. Part 2. Macro-level competition, the lexicon and its interfaces
  11. Chapter 7. Competition between affixation and conversion in Present-Day English denominal verbs 208
  12. Chapter 8. A diachronic perspective on competition in denominal verb formation in Italian 247
  13. Chapter 9. Competition of lexicon vs. pragmatics in word formation 275
  14. Chapter 10. [N1 + N2], [N + A], and [N1 + de + N2] 297
  15. Chapter 11. Revisiting Poser’s (1992) “Blocking of phrasal constructions by lexical items” from the perspective of the economy of language use principle 326
  16. Index 351
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