International Journal of Language & Linguistics

On the Potential of Various Approaches tothe Semantics of Novel English Compounds
YuliaVorobeva, PhD

Abstract
The purpose of this research is to delineatehow various linguistic approaches act while interpreting the meaning of new English compounds. The research sheds light on some of the contemporary compounding theories, such as reductionist, transformational, slot-filler and pragmatic theories as well as onomasiological approach (i.e. cognitive onomasiology)that elucidate how meaning is activated in compounds.The research concludesthat meaning interpretation of new English compounds does not only depend on their onomasiological pattern which determines the relationship between its constituents but also various types of context including extra-linguistic context as well as a cognitive principle of relevance plays a pivotal role in this process.

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