When German native speakers converse with English native speakers, they are often astonished how easily and spontaneously new words can be created in English. At the same time, English speakers are astonished by the number of lengthy compounds the German use in written language. But still, most word formation processes are very similar in both languages - both English and German even share some affixes, for example be- in be-friend or be-zahlen or –er in sing-er or Säng-er.
I want to investigate the differences and similarities concerning the major word formation processes in English and German (compounding, derivational suffixation and conversion). Firstly, I will provide an appropriate background by looking at contrasts in the lexicon and will also touch on some diachronic explanations. Then I will explain the different units of words.
Ultimately, I want to get an insight into a very recent phenomenon, namely the adding of German affixes to English words in German word formation - the so-called ‘Denglisch’.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Contrasts in the Lexicon
- 3. The Components of Words
- 4. Compounding
- 5. Derivational Suffixation
- 6. Conversion
- 7. "Denglisch" Word Formation in German
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to investigate the similarities and differences in major word formation processes between English and German, focusing on compounding, derivational suffixation, and conversion. It will explore these processes within the context of lexical contrasts between the two languages, including diachronic influences. A particular focus is placed on the recent phenomenon of "Denglisch" in German word formation.
- Lexical contrasts between English and German
- Word formation processes (compounding, derivational suffixation, conversion)
- Diachronic influences on word formation
- The role of the lexicon in shaping meaning
- "Denglisch" as a recent phenomenon in German word formation
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the comparative analysis of word formation processes in English and German. It highlights the perceived ease of word creation in English versus the prevalence of lengthy compounds in German, while also noting shared affixes. The chapter lays out the paper's objective: to investigate the similarities and differences in compounding, derivational suffixation, and conversion, using lexical contrasts and diachronic factors as a backdrop, culminating in an examination of "Denglisch."
2. Contrasts in the Lexicon: This chapter provides background information on lexical contrasts between English and German, emphasizing the active role words play in shaping our understanding of concepts. It discusses the challenges of direct translation due to semantic gaps, illustrated by the example of the English word "mist" lacking a precise German equivalent. The chapter further explores "false friends," words with similar forms but differing meanings, highlighting potential misunderstandings. Two significant historical tendencies influencing the lexicon are analyzed: dissociation, where German favors compounding while English uses synonymous pairs of different etymological origin (e.g., table/desk vs. Tisch/Schreibtisch), and zero-derivation, stemming from the loss of inflectional endings in English, leading to the frequent conversion of verbs to nouns and vice versa.
3. The Components of Words: This chapter delves into the units that combine in word formation. It categorizes these units into non-specific components (words, phrases, and letters) and those specifically relevant to certain processes. The chapter introduces confixes (bound units used for word formation, often borrowed) and affixes (prefixes, suffixes, and circumfixes, emphasizing the frequent use of the latter in German but absence in present-day English).
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
English, German, word formation, compounding, derivational suffixation, conversion, lexicon, diachrony, "Denglisch", lexical contrasts, semantic gaps, false friends, zero-derivation, dissociation, affixes, confixes.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of English and German Word Formation
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper provides a comparative analysis of English and German word formation processes, focusing on compounding, derivational suffixation, and conversion. It explores these processes within the context of lexical contrasts between the two languages, including diachronic influences, and pays particular attention to the recent phenomenon of "Denglisch" in German.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include lexical contrasts between English and German, word formation processes (compounding, derivational suffixation, and conversion), diachronic influences on word formation, the role of the lexicon in shaping meaning, and "Denglisch" as a recent phenomenon in German word formation.
What specific word formation processes are analyzed?
The paper specifically analyzes compounding, derivational suffixation, and conversion in both English and German, comparing and contrasting their usage and outcomes in the two languages.
How does the paper address the issue of lexical contrasts between English and German?
The paper examines lexical contrasts by discussing semantic gaps (where direct translation is difficult), "false friends" (words with similar forms but different meanings), dissociation (German's preference for compounding versus English's use of synonymous pairs), and zero-derivation (the loss of inflectional endings in English leading to frequent conversion).
What is the significance of "Denglisch" in this paper?
"Denglisch," the incorporation of English words and formations into German, is a significant focus, representing a recent and noteworthy development in German word formation.
What is the role of diachronic influences in the analysis?
Diachronic influences, or historical changes in language, are considered throughout the analysis to provide context and understanding of the current state of word formation in both English and German. This includes looking at historical shifts that explain present-day differences.
What are the chapter summaries?
The paper includes summaries of each chapter. Chapter 1 introduces the comparative analysis; Chapter 2 focuses on lexical contrasts between English and German; Chapter 3 examines the components of words involved in word formation; and further chapters delve deeper into specific word formation processes.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include English, German, word formation, compounding, derivational suffixation, conversion, lexicon, diachrony, "Denglisch", lexical contrasts, semantic gaps, false friends, zero-derivation, dissociation, affixes, and confixes.
What is the overall objective of the paper?
The paper aims to investigate the similarities and differences in major word formation processes between English and German, offering a structured and comparative analysis.
What is the intended audience of this paper?
The intended audience is likely academic, focusing on linguistics, particularly those interested in comparative linguistics and word formation processes in English and German.
- Citar trabajo
- Sonja Kaupp (Autor), 2009, Word formation processes in English and German – a survey, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/123416
