Compounding in Esperanto

Abstract

This study is the third in a series on words and word building in Esperanto. Its predecessors addressed the parts of speech of the language and its derivational system. Here, compounding is discussed, whereby the analysis is restricted to compounds with two lexical components. Like derivation, compounding is described as a process which is hosted in the lexicon. Most compounds are found to be determinative and endocentric. The language also features exocentric copulative and possessive compounds. A critical analysis of epenthetic or bridging vowels inside compounds is given. The approach that is followed is inspired by techniques from Functional Discourse Grammar and is entirely novel compared with traditional linguistic descriptions of Esperanto.