In this chapter we account for phonosemantic matching (PSM; see Zuckermann, 1999, 2000, 2003a, 2003b, 2005a; 'echoing word-formation' in Sapir, 2008) in Icelandic. We will provide an overview of the Icelandic language, its structure, language planning and word-formation, and introduce the mechanism of PSM in general. We then illustrate two aspects of Icelandic PSM: word-formation, as PSM is one of many Icelandic word-formation types, and typology, by demonstrating PSM in other languages. PSM is divided into two main categories: PSM through a preexistent form and PSM through a new form. Finally, we present the conclusions and theoretical implications of this chapter.

Sapir (2008) suggests the following taxonomy of the sources used to form new words in the language. It will help us in tracing the position of PSM in the system:

• Zero source. Lexemes reproduced from this source are denoted by the established term ex nihilo (Latin 'from nothing'), implying that they are not based on any preexistent lexical material.

• Sound source. Lexemes reproduced from this source are denoted by the new term ex sono (Latin 'from sound') and are reproductions of sounds or sound symbolism.

• The foreign vocabulary. Lexemes reproduced from this source are denoted by the new term ex externo (Latin 'from the outside').

• The native vocabulary. Lexemes reproduced from this source are denoted by the new term ex interno (Latin 'from the inside').

Sapir (2008) defines reproduction as a process 'by which one or several bases retain their features and status in the system but are "copied" or "reduplicated" to form a new word'. Hence, words are not 'borrowed', 'taken' or 'imported' from one language to the other, but are rather reproduced ex externo (i.e. from the foreign vocabulary).