1.1.1.1.2. Exocentric compounds
In exocentric compounds, the meaning is not predictable from the meaning of the parts. In some cases, whether or not the meaning of a compound is predictable (i.e. whether it is an endocentric or exocentric compound) may be rather subjective. Other cases are very clear, such as the sign sasssmall+round^snap.away ‘pea’. The meanings of the individual components do not necessarily add up to the meaning of the compound; the compound could basically mean any object that is small and round and that can be snapped away by the thumb. The meaning is thus not predictable, and consequently, the compound is exocentric. Figure a. shows this sign:
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a. sasssmall+round^snap.away ‘pea’
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