Maya Lin

1 6.5

An American artist and architect who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C

proper noun
/ˈmeɪə lɪn/

: Maya Lin

The famous architect Maya Lin designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Examples

Maya Lin gained national recognition while still a student for her design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
In 1981, Maya Lin won the competition to design a national monument in Washington, D.C.
Architect and artist Maya Lin is known for her innovative use of space and form in public works.
Have you heard of Maya Lin and her incredible work?
Maya Lin gained national recognition while still a student for her design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Architect and artist Maya Lin is known for her innovative use of space and form in public works.
In 1981, Maya Lin won the competition to design a national monument in Washington, D.C.

Surface Forms

Maya Lin main

Morphology

Maya + Lin

This is a proper name referring to a specific person; knowing the constituents ('Maya' as a group name and an unknown 'Lin') does not allow a B1 learner to infer the biographical meaning (American sculptor/architect). Proper names are lexicalized and culturally specific, so the referential meaning must be learned separately.

Etymology

Maya Lin became famous when she was a student and won a national contest to design the 'Vietnam Veterans Memorial' in Washington, D.C. Her simple black wall, covered with thousands of names and a shiny surface that reflects visitors, gave a strong, quiet way to remember the dead, so today Maya Lin is known as the sculptor and architect who created that memorial.