LEXICALIZATION AND IDIOMATIZATION IN THE GERMAN LANGUAGE

Abstract

The article deals with phenomena of lexicalisation and idiomatization in the German Language. The term lexicalization is used inconsistently in the special literature. This term refers to the process of recording and storing lexemes in the lexical fund (vocabulary) of a language on the one hand, and/or the changes in meaning in complex words and the demotivation process and the result on the other hand. Through lexicalization complex words lose syntagmatic character, their original complexity (mann-isco > ahd. menn-isco > Mensch). Through lexicalization original complex lexemes can become simplexes (mhd. schuoch-sûtære > Schuster; ahd. kien-forha > Kiefer (die); mhd. adel-ar[e] > Adler). Lexicalization is a gradual process. This can only be explained diachronically.

Idiomatization is a process and a result of the semantic change of complex lexemes. Idiomatization is a consequence of lexicalization. In such lexemes it is impossible to decode the meaning of the word from the meaning of the constituents (Taschentuch, Augenblick, Hochzeit). Due to this phenomenon, components of complex words lose the semantic connection / connectivity with the corresponding simple words and with the motivating free morphemes accordingly. A component of idiosyncratic meaning is added.

Fully motivated and fully demotivated complex words are not delineated. There is a wide gap between the two poles of fully motivated and demotivated / completely transition zone with many flowing gradations.

Keywords: Motivation; Lexicalization; Demotivation; Idiomatization; Demotivated Words; opaque Words.