Are seemingly disparate linguistic structures fundamentally related? This paper explores the cross-categorial comparison of coordinative binominal (NN) and biverbal (VV) constructions across languages. Challenging the notion that Indo-European NN compounds and Transeurasian VV compounds have nothing in common, this research investigates potential shared features. Using the methodology of contrastive morphology and decompositional lexical semantics, NN and VV coordinate compounds from English and Japanese are examined in detail. It is revealed that dvandva, a type of coordinate compound, is possible not only in NN but also in VV coordinate compounds. The dvandva–appositive distinction in NN coordinate compounds recurs in VV coordinate compounds. This study presents cross-categorial formal analyses of dvandva and appositive types within the Lexical Semantic Framework. The findings contribute to our understanding of the underlying principles governing compound formation across different languages and grammatical categories, opening doors for further exploration of cross-linguistic connections.
This paper, published in Languages, contributes to the journal's focus on linguistics and philology by examining the structural similarities between noun-noun and verb-verb compounds in English and Japanese. The research employs a detailed comparative analysis to reveal underlying patterns in language structure.