Compositionality

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    • 12. January 2021 at 12:19 #887
      Kirsten Middeke
      Keymaster

      The principle of compositionality says that the meaning of a complex construction is equal to the sum of the meanings of its parts. Is the principle at work in the following sentences?
      a. There was nobody there.
      b. You’re being silly.
      c. This is driving me bananas.

    • 15. January 2021 at 9:21 #912
      Pia Marie Bageritz
      Participant

      In c. the principle of compositionality is not at work because This is driving me bananas is a fixed phrase, an idiom.

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