My term paper will be about the differences between English and German V-N compounds. I will focus on endocentric compounds since German lacks exocentric V-N compounds. An example of an endocentric V-N compound that exists in both languages would be the English “driftwood” with its German counterpart “Treibholz”. It is interesting to investigate whether the differences between English and German endocentric V-N compounds may be caused by a general contrast between the two languages. By that, I mean the tighter (German) and looser (English) fit between form and function which was suggested by Hawkins (1986) as a general parameter of difference (Hawkins, 1986, p. 6). I will start by explaining basic terminology of V-N compounding and Hawkins’ approach. After the basic elements are clarified, I will turn to my research question: “What are the major differences between English and German endocentric V-N compounds, and can they be linked to Hawkins’ general parameter of difference?”. To answer this question, I will use a paper by Volker Gast from 2008, which is called “Verb-noun compounds in English and German”.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Review of Previous Research
- 2.1 Morphological Analysis of Compounds
- 2.2 Hawkins' Parameter of Difference between English and German: loose-fit/tight-fit
- 3 Research Question and Hypothesis
- 4 Study
- 4.1 Summary
- 4.2 Results
- 4.3 Discussion
- 5 Conclusion
- 6 References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This term paper aims to investigate the differences between English and German verb-noun (V-N) compounds, specifically focusing on endocentric compounds. The paper will explore whether these differences can be linked to Hawkins' general parameter of difference, which suggests a tighter fit between form and function in German compared to English.
- Morphological analysis of compounds in English and German.
- Hawkins' parameter of difference and its application to V-N compounding.
- Major differences between English and German endocentric V-N compounds.
- Relationship between these differences and Hawkins' parameter of difference.
- The distinction between endocentric and exocentric compounds.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of V-N compounding in English and German, focusing on endocentric compounds. It presents the research question and the general parameter of difference proposed by Hawkins.
- Review of Previous Research: This chapter delves into the morphological analysis of compounds, explaining concepts such as binary, recursive, synthetic, attributive, coordinate, subordinate, headedness, endocentric, and exocentric compounds. It also introduces Hawkins' parameter of difference between English and German.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on the contrasting features of endocentric V-N compounds in English and German, drawing on Hawkins' parameter of difference to explain potential discrepancies. Key terms include: V-N compounding, endocentric compounds, exocentric compounds, binary compounds, recursive compounds, Hawkins' parameter of difference, loose-fit vs. tight-fit, morphology, word-formation, headedness, synthetic compounds, attributive compounds, coordinate compounds, and subordinate compounds.
- Quote paper
- Paula Habermann (Author), 2021, Differences between English and German Endocentric V-N Compounds, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1217829
