Why do we stonewall about compound verbs
Why do we stonewall about compound verbs

Summary/Abstract: In the present paper an explanation is sought for the analytical neglect surrounding compound verbs (CVs) against the background of extensive research devoted to nominal compounding. The question is framed within debates of exocentricity, creativity, cognitive approaches to analyzing compounding and compounds and the problematization of the nature of grounding of cognition. A hypothesis is formulated about the cognitive cost-effectiveness of compound verbs in backstage cognition and a claim is made of their necessary existence as constructional components in the conceptualization of nominal compounds. Admitting the „not genuine“ compositional origin of some compound verbs, linguists still need to analyze the constraints that preclude back-derivation and conversion in many instances of verbo-centric nominal compounds. The cognitive rationale of CVs sounds paradoxical: the human mind strives for simplification while CVs are extremely complex cognitive structures. Studying the peculiar critical and linguistic existence of compound verbs seems a promising venue for further research.

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