Striving for the optimal compromise: evolution of morphological
and phonological patterns in German brand names |
|
Elke Ronneberger-Sibold (Eichstaett) |
My paper attempts to
explain certain statistical evolutions in the diachronic development of the
preferred phonological and morphological structure of German brand names (1894
- 1994) within the framework of Natural Linguistics. The primary focus will be
on the conflict or antithesis between different parameters such as distinctiveness,
morphological complexity, descriptiveness and different kinds of phonological
complexity. The diachronic development is interpreted as a quest for the best
possible compromise between these parameters under the functional premises of
brand names. Moreover, the possible influence of a general typological drift of
contemporary German will be investigated.