1.1.1.3. Compounds involving Size-and-Shape Specifiers (SASS)
Compounds with a size-and-shape specifier (SASS, see also MORPHOLOGY 5.2) are discussed separately, because SASS can fulfill different functions: they can be a modifier (similar to adjectives), they can be modified themselves, or they can be in a coordinate relationship with the other element. Therefore, it may sometimes be unclear which element functions as the head. A native endocentric subordinate compound in which the head is clear and in final position is the sign swim^sasssquare ‘swimming pool’, shown below:
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X. swim^sasssquare ‘swimming pool’
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The SASS usually occurs in final position; however, as shown in the sign for ‘pea’ in Figure a. in MORPHOLOGY 1.1.1.1.2, it may also occur in first position. The sign for ‘pea’ additionally exemplifies that the head may not always be clear, since it is debatable whether the SASS (the first element) is the head of the compound, or the verb snap_away (the second element).
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