ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-091-025 · ATLAS 251

Portmanteau morpheme

A form that cannot be further segmented and expresses multiple grammatical features simultaneously.

Explanation

A portmanteau morpheme combines functions that can be described analytically as separate entities into a single expression. It is a case of cumulative exponency.

Example

The French word “au” combines the functions of “à” and “le.”

Counterexample

In a fully analytic expression, preposition and article remain visibly separate.

Distinction

Compound word: lexical fusion of two words.

Effect on thought and perception

Demonstrates that a single form can carry multiple grammatical functions simultaneously.

Resonance

Multiple functions resonate together in a single, indivisible form.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Portmanteau morpheme“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-091-025. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-025

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-025

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