The Prefix EXTRA: A Cognitive Linguistic Approach

Key words: cognitive linguistics, trajector, landmark ABSTRACT In this paper we shall try to shed more light on the semantic network of the prefix EXTRA- that belongs to the group of prefixes classified as prefixes of degree and size. The prefix analyzed combines with different word classes and its semantics might seem chaotic due to different meaning extensions. The prototype theory, along with the theory of conceptual metaphor and metonymy can make sense of the semantics of prefixes and show that the semantic structure of the prefix is not arbitrary but motivated. The starting point of this paper is that bound morphemes do not behave differently from any other lexical unit and therefore should be analyzed as such. The prefix EXTRA- conveys different meanings: spatial and non-spatial, literal and figurative meanings (metaphorical extensions). Meanings are explained in terms of trajector and landmark as well as the relationship between concrete and abstract meanings is explained along with the metaphorical extensions