Tri-Constituent Compounds: A Usage-Based Account of Complex Nominal Compounding

By Elisabeth Huber

This book provides a usage-based perspective to the study of multi-word compounding, analyzing the structural, functional and cognitive aspects of tripartite compounds (e.g. day care center, football game, hotel bedroom). It highlights the heterogeneity of these word-formation products, but also carves out surprising differences to two-word compounds. In order to reveal the step from two-word compounding to multi-word compounding, the book explains why only some compounds are used productively for the formation of more complex compounds. Building on the idea of entrenchment, it provides a theoretical account that allows understanding speakers' ability to produce multi-word compounds.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3111080757
• ISBN13: 9783111080758
• Release Date: May 2023
• Publisher: de Gruyter Mouton
• Length: 282 Pages
• Weight: 1.23 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.2"