On the Interpretation Mechanism of N-N Compounds

This paper attempts to explore how the meanings of innovative Korean noun-noun compounds are predicted and what factors affect this process. Firstly, a comparison of the interpretation process between innovative and established nouns is made. A close examination is also made of various linguistic and extra-linguistic factors which influence the interpretation process. Finally, an interpretation model of innovative noun-noun compounds is proposed, based on what really goes on in a language user's mind. To support this model, an experiment of predictability is also conducted.