PROPER NAMES COMPOSITION IN MODERN GERMAN

Abstract

The article focuses on structural and semantic peculiarities of noun-composites derived from proper names in Modern German. Composition on the basis of proper names serves to form common nouns (deonymic composites) and other proper nouns (onymic composites) such as toponyms (place names) and ergonyms (brand names). The influence of onyms (anthroponyms, toponyms, and ergonyms) on the formation of semantics of proper names composites is analyzed. An onym usually performs the modifying attribute function in the structure of a composite and helps to name a denotatum on the basis of its relationship with the referent of the used proper name. Anthroponyms that designate known historical, mythological, or fairy-tale characters can actualize only certain characteristics of their referents which can enter into semantic interaction with the second constituent of the composite. In the case of individual motivation, the interaction between the components of the composite is established on the basis of certain socially important events related to certain individuals, geographical places or institutions. The wide usage of proper names composites in the German media is conditioned by the peculiarities of German composition, which makes it possible to combine in their structure different lexical units, and by the growing social importance of certain public persons, politicians, political organizations and various economic institutions.