Word-formation patterns in a cross-linguistic perspective

Previous research has shown that novel objects that are merged from two identifiable parts predominantly elicit noun – noun compounds in Germanic languages. However, it is unclear whether Hungarian allows shape/appearance modifiers in noun – noun compounds. Using a novel object naming task we compare language-specific preferences for labels for: (i) novel hybrid objects composed of two identifiable parts (such as an animal that is half fox and half chicken, i.e. chicken fox), and (ii) novel objects having a salient shape (such as a box shaped like a banana, i.e. banana box). The results are explored regarding the degree of semantic influence on word-formation patterns and interpreted within a cognitive-linguistic framework.