Re: [LM_NET] Question on compound words

[Daniel Stuhlman <ddstuhlman@EARTHLINK.NET>]

-----Original Message-----
>From: "Artman_Melissa (MARTMAN)" <martman@RPS.K12.AR.US>
>Sent: Oct 21, 2009 5:48 PM
>To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
>Subject: Question
>
>
>Is minivan considered a compound word?  We are having quite a discussion about it 
>here at school... but I know exactly where to go to find the definitive answer.... 
>lm_net! =)
>
> 

In linguistics a compound consists of two or more lexemes (meaningful parts)each of 
which could stand on its own.  A prefix or suffix has meaning, but is not a lexeme 
that can stand alone.  When these parts are put together the meaning is a 
combination of the parts, but with a new meaning.  Usually the parts are both 
nouns.  In German the parts may make a long word with or without a connector. Two 
examples are "Autobahn" and "Eisenbahn."  "Auto" means automobile,"Bahn" means path 
or road, "Eisen" means iron.  "Autobahn" is a limited access highway for cars. 
"Eisenbahn" is a railroad.   In Hebrew and other Semitic languages two words may be 
combined with the vocalization of first one changing to the construct state.  For 
example "Bayit" means house and "kenesset" means assembly.  When combined the 
vowels change to "beit kenesset" and the meaning is synagogue. 

In English the compound may be connected to form one word such as "seaman," 
connected with a hyphen such as "do-it-yourself," or just in proximity such as "tea 
bag."  In your example of "minivan" the question is, "Are the two parts stand alone 
lexemes?"  While "mini" is frequently used as word it is still jargon, slang, or 
proprietary usage. "Mini" is considered a prefix or combining form in most 
dictionaries.  Since "mini" is not a full word, "minivan" would not be considered a 
compound word in English.

If one uses "minivan" it has a specific meaning as coined and defined by the 
American automobile market.   The spellings "Minivan," "mini-van," and "mini van" 
are used. "Mini Van" (1960–1982) is a propitiatory name introduced by British 
Motor Corporation (BMC). 

However, why should anyone care if the word is compound or not when the history of 
the word and the use of compounds is much more interesting?




(Dr.) Daniel D. Stuhlman
dstuhlman at ccc.edu
Wright College Library
Reference Librarian
773-481-8420

Personal Blog:  http://kol-safran.blogspot.com/

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