4.2.1.3. Juxtaposition
Juxtaposition is a frequent device in LSC possessive noun phrases and it is the default strategy in possessive noun phrases that express part-whole relations. Structurally, the element referring to the whole tends to appear first, followed by the possessed part noun.
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a) biker leg hair empty_on_arm.
‘Bikers’ legs don’t have hair.’
(based on Quer & GRIN, 2008: 36)
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b) motorbike headlight work bad.
‘The headlight of the motorbike is not working properly.’
(based on Quer & GRIN, 2008: 42)
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c) chalet roof broken.
‘The roof of the chalet is broken.’
(based on Quer & GRIN, 2008: 42)
The same order is commonly used in case of more abstract possessive relations.
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a) university student strike.
‘The university students are on strike.’
(based on Quer & GRIN, 2008: 42)
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b) company director dead.
‘The company director is dead.’
(based on Quer & GRIN, 2008: 42)
Nevertheless, the inverse structure (possessed noun followed by the noun that refers to the whole) is also possible in LSC.
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a) student university strike.
‘The university students are on strike.’
(based on Quer & GRIN, 2008: 42)
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b) director company dead.
‘The company director is dead.’
(based on Quer & GRIN, 2008: 42)