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Syntax of the Hyphen: Complex PatternsAmong the different values of the hyphen in French (typographical uses, grammatical uses, lexical uses, etc.), this study focuses on a specific set of complex patterns. Three models are developed:a) correlative models, based on the particle mi- (mi-sérieux, mi-plaisant);b) juxtaposed models, particularly the pattern NO N1-N2 (V opposition consonne-voyelles, le vol Paris-Londres), which allows a typological description based on the nature of the introductory term (NO);c) double-compound models (conférence de presse-marathon, ex-homme de gauche), characterized by a form of discrepancy between the morphological pattern and the graphic boundaries (*presse-marathon, *ex-homme). They can combine with the first two models (mi-salle de billard, mi-cabinet de travail; l'interaction recherche fondamentale-recherche appliquée).These patterns are analyzed with a view to an automatic treatment of hyphenated forms.

Orthographic variations of compound words in le Petit Larousse and le Petit Robert.The analysis of the two most common French dictionaries — le Petit Larousse and le Petit Robert — brings into relief the orthographic instability of compound words. This study notes many disagreements between the two works, as well as a number of internal contradictions. Hesitation concerns mainly the use of the hyphen (audio-visuel or audiovisuel, fille-mère or fille mère) and plural marks (un corps de troupe/un corps de troupes, des essuie-glace/des essuie-glaces). Whatever may be the best way to correct such contradictions — admission of variants or normalization — it is urgent that dictionaries be coherent.

Syntax of the Hyphen: Complex Patterns Among the different values of the hyphen in French (typographical uses, grammatical uses, lexical uses, etc.), this study focuses on a specific set of complex patterns. Three models are developed: a) correlative models, based on the particle mi- (mi-sérieux, mi-plaisant); b) juxtaposed models, particularly the pattern NO N1-N2 (V opposition consonne-voyelles, le vol Paris-Londres), which allows a typological description based on the nature of the introductory term (NO); c) double-compound models (conférence de presse-marathon, ex-homme de gauche), characterized by a form of discrepancy between the morphological pattern and the graphic boundaries (*presse-marathon, *ex-homme). They can combine with the first two models (mi-salle de billard, mi-cabinet de travail; l'interaction recherche fondamentale-recherche appliquée). These patterns are analyzed with a view to an automatic treatment of hyphenated forms.