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Part of
Competition in Word-Formation
Edited by Alexandra Bagasheva, Akiko Nagano and Vincent Renner
[Linguistik Aktuell/Linguistics Today 284] 2024
► pp. 1–31

Chapter 1
Towards a competition-based word-formation theory

Core research questions and major hypotheses

ORCID logo | University of Shizuoka
ORCID logo | Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
ORCID logo | Université Lumière Lyon 2

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.

Keywords: morphology, word-formation, competition, rivalry, affixation
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Fundamental questions
    • 2.1Onomasiological and semasiological perspectives
    • 2.2Triggers and outcomes of competition
  • 3.Questions about form
    • 3.1Competition between instantiations: Doublets and clusters
    • 3.2Competition between morphological processes
    • 3.3Form-based resolutions
      • 3.3.1The marginalization or total loss of a rivaling form
      • 3.3.2Blocking
      • 3.3.3Base selection
  • 4.Questions about meaning
    • 4.1Lexical and word-formational semantics
    • 4.2The synonymy condition in competition
    • 4.3Meaning-based resolutions
      • 4.3.1Distinguishing features or contexts of propositional synonymy
      • 4.3.2Distinguishing features or contexts of near synonymy and sense synonymy
        • 4.3.2.1Lexical semantic features
        • 4.3.2.2Syntagmatic contexts
  • 5.Macro-level competition
    • 5.1Macro-level competition in transcategorial change
    • 5.2Macro-level competition in other lexical functions of word-formation
    • 5.3Macro-level competition beyond the boundaries of word-formation
  • 6.Concluding remarks
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 8 May 2024
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.284.01nag
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