The Fandom Pairing Name: Blends and the Phonology-Orthography Interface

Abstract In English, blending is a highly predictable and productive naming process. However, no systematic morphological template for blends has yet been proposed. Using data from Internet fandom pairing names (FPNs), I describe the phonological and orthographic constraints that shape blended words...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Cara M DiGirolamo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University Library System, University of Pittsburgh 2012-12-01
Series:Names
Subjects:
Online Access:http://ans-names.pitt.edu/ans/article/view/1967
Description
Summary:Abstract In English, blending is a highly predictable and productive naming process. However, no systematic morphological template for blends has yet been proposed. Using data from Internet fandom pairing names (FPNs), I describe the phonological and orthographic constraints that shape blended words, such as preference for complex onsets, maintenance of stress placement, and phonological and orthographic overlap. Outputs are compared with lexical neighbors to evaluate their phonotactic acceptability and orthographic transparency. This model of blending describes the interaction of many layers of representation, and also shows the effect of the Internet as a text-based speech community participating in linguistic decision-making.
ISSN:0027-7738
1756-2279