Chapter 9. Competition of lexicon vs. pragmatics in word formation

Abstract

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.