Uniwerbizacija w hornjoserbšćinje

Abstract

Univerbation can generally be defined as the formation of a single-word unit based on a semantically equivalent multi-word denomination. Until recently, univerbation in Upper Sorbian has rarely been the focus of linguistic analysis. Usually, references to the phenomenon could only be found in itemised examples. A theoretical methodology, however, has not been developed yet. When analysing agricultural terms in 1966, Ewa Siatkowska concluded that univerbation is common in Upper Sorbian. In contrast, other scholars claim that multi-word expressions - such as complex nominals, compounds and syntagm - are preferred over single-word units with synonymous meaning. Applying an independent approach, the following paper is going to reveal reasons for those contrasting conclusions. In addition, a general synopsis of significant formal techniques used in univerbation processes will be given.