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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. 275–296

Chapter 9
Competition of lexicon vs. pragmatics in word formation

Japanese lexical V-V compounds and argument synthesis

| Kansai Gaidai University

Pragmatic information (motivating an onomasiological perspective) interacts and competes with formal grammar (embodying a semasiological inclination), namely, the lexicon and its formal word-formation mechanisms to give rise to intricate patterns of argument structures of Japanese lexical V-V compounds. The compound formation process involves argument synthesis (argument matching) displaying intricacies inexplicable without appealing to speaker intentions regarding reference choices, argument designation preferences, perspective adjustment, etc. Downplaying or denying interaction and competition between the two domains above would undermine generalization, analytical precision, efficiency, and creativity within morphology.

Keywords: grammar-pragmatics interface, semasiology-onomasiology interaction, V-V compounds, argument structures, argument synthesis, Japanese
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Lexicon/morphology and pragmatics
  • 3.Japanese lexical V-V compounds and pragmatics
    • 3.1V-V compounds and argument synthesis: A prolegomenon
    • 3.2Simple cases of argument synthesis
    • 3.3Complex cases of argument synthesis 1: Speaker-oriented reference choice
    • 3.4Complex cases of argument synthesis 2: Speaker-intended discourse prominence and differential object marking
    • 3.5Complex cases of argument synthesis 3: Speaker-oriented anomaly avoidance
    • 3.6Summary
  • 4.Unattractive alternatives
  • 5.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 8 May 2024
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.284.09fuk
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