Semantic Functions of Pre-element in Endocentric Compounds

Abstract

In the traditional studies about endocentric compounds,the semantic function of a pre-element is divided into two kinds: restriction and description,however,restriction cannot summarize the semantic function of pre-element opposite to description,which should be summarized by differentiation.The differential function and descriptive function are commonly in the same pre-element rather than in different ones.The rate of both kinds of semantic function in the same pre-element is inversely proportional to each other,and the rate distribution of them in the different pre-element may be divided into three levels.It is determined by the different attribute of root features that a pre-element revealed and the different relation between endocentric compounds and other items in the same paradigm.