The Norman Conquest in 1066 was not only an important event in the history of England, but also had a great impact on the English language (cf. e.g. Baugh & Cable 2004: 108 ff.; Faiß 1992: 68). Besides various other changes in the English language system, which will not be discussed here in further detail, many French words were borrowed into English. Some of the French suffixes contained in complex loan words subsequently became productive in English derivation (cf. e.g. Bauer 1993: 225 f.; Faiß 1992: 3; Marchand 1969: 210 f.). However, I argue that the ways in which these suffixes were employed in English word-formation vary greatly (cf. e.g. Marchand 1969: 210 f.). While some of the borrowed suffixes were extensively used in English derivation, others remained largely restricted. This will be illustrated by describing how the borrowed French suffixes -ment and -ure were integrated into the English system of word-formation. Special attention will be paid to the word class and etymological origin of the bases -ment and -ure were combined with. Although sociolinguistic factors might also influence how foreign suffixes were used in derivational processes of word-formation (cf. van Loon 2005: xiii), this term paper will focus on language-internal, morphological factors only.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The borrowing of derivational suffixes
- 3. The use of -ment and -ure in English suffixation
- 3.1 -ment
- 3.1.1 General development
- 3.1.2 Productivity
- 3.1.3 Bases
- 3.2 -ure
- 3.2.1 General development
- 3.2.2 Productivity
- 3.2.3 Bases
- 3.3 Additional information about the bases from the BNC Baby
- 3.3.1 -ment derivatives
- 3.3.2 -ure derivatives
- 3.4 Discussion of the findings
- 3.4.1 With reference to Plag's Latinate Constraint
- 3.4.2 With reference to Bauer and Huddleston's Class I and Class II affixes
- 3.1 -ment
- 4. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper aims to investigate the integration of the French derivational suffixes -ment and -ure into English word-formation. It compares the usage and productivity of these suffixes, examining their development and application with various bases. The study analyzes these suffixes through the lens of existing linguistic theories, specifically focusing on language-internal morphological factors.
- The borrowing of derivational suffixes into English.
- A comparative analysis of the suffixes -ment and -ure.
- The productivity and usage of -ment and -ure in English derivational processes.
- Examination of the word classes and etymological origins of bases combined with -ment and -ure.
- Discussion of the findings in relation to Plag's Latinate Constraint and Bauer and Huddleston's classification of affixes.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the term paper by highlighting the significant impact of the Norman Conquest on the English language, particularly the influx of French loanwords and their suffixes. It emphasizes the varying degrees of integration of these borrowed suffixes into English word-formation and focuses on the comparative analysis of the suffixes -ment and -ure as a case study. The chapter outlines the methodology, which involves examining the online Oxford English Dictionary, textbooks, and a sample from the BNC Baby corpus, to analyze the usage of these suffixes and discuss them with reference to established linguistic theories. The paper explicitly limits its scope to language-internal, morphological factors.
2. The borrowing of derivational suffixes: This chapter provides a theoretical overview of morphological change, focusing on the process of suffix borrowing and its impact on the recipient language. It explains how foreign suffixes, when integrated into a sufficient number of loanwords, can become productive and even extend their use to native word stock, creating hybrid formations. The chapter also discusses the conditions under which foreign suffixes are integrated into the recipient language's derivational system, highlighting the complexities of this process and the role of familiar syntagmas and patterns of analysis in enabling such integration. The emergence of bound roots as a consequence of suffix borrowing is also examined.
3. The use of -ment and -ure in English suffixation: This chapter presents a comparative analysis of the suffixes -ment and -ure, emphasizing their shared characteristics and contrasting their usage. Both suffixes are identified as having entered English through French loanwords, used to form nouns from verbs, and now considered unproductive in modern English. However, the chapter focuses on their varying degrees of productivity, as evidenced by the number of words derived with each suffix. It sets the groundwork for a detailed exploration of each suffix in subsequent sections.
Keywords
Morphological change, derivational suffixes, -ment, -ure, English word-formation, suffixation, loanwords, productivity, French etymology, Germanic bases, Latinate Constraint, Class I and Class II affixes, BNC Baby corpus, Oxford English Dictionary.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this language preview?
This preview details a term paper investigating the integration of the French derivational suffixes "-ment" and "-ure" into English word-formation. It analyzes their usage, productivity, development, and application with various bases, referencing existing linguistic theories like Plag's Latinate Constraint and Bauer and Huddleston's affix classifications.
What are the key themes explored in the term paper?
The key themes include the borrowing of derivational suffixes into English, a comparative analysis of "-ment" and "-ure," their productivity and usage in English derivational processes, examination of the word classes and etymological origins of their bases, and a discussion of the findings in relation to established linguistic theories.
What is the structure of the term paper?
The paper is structured into four chapters: an introduction setting the context and methodology; a chapter on the borrowing of derivational suffixes; a main chapter comparing "-ment" and "-ure" in detail, including their productivity, bases, and discussion in relation to linguistic theories; and a conclusion. The preview also includes a table of contents and chapter summaries.
What data sources were used in the research?
The research utilizes the online Oxford English Dictionary, relevant textbooks, and a sample from the BNC Baby corpus to analyze the usage of "-ment" and "-ure."
What linguistic theories are referenced in the analysis?
The analysis specifically references Plag's Latinate Constraint and Bauer and Huddleston's classification of affixes (Class I and Class II) to frame the discussion of the suffixes' productivity and integration into English.
What are the specific aspects of "-ment" and "-ure" that are compared?
The comparison focuses on the general development, productivity, and the types of bases (word classes and etymological origins) combined with each suffix. The analysis also explores the number of words derived with each suffix to gauge their productivity in Modern English.
What is the scope of the analysis regarding the integration of "-ment" and "-ure"?
The analysis explicitly limits its scope to language-internal, morphological factors, focusing on the integration of these suffixes within the English language system itself.
What is the conclusion of the term paper (as hinted in the preview)?
The preview does not explicitly state the conclusion, but it sets the stage for a discussion of the findings in light of the aforementioned linguistic theories. The analysis aims to provide insights into the integration processes of borrowed suffixes and their impact on the English lexicon.
What are the keywords associated with this term paper?
Keywords include: Morphological change, derivational suffixes, -ment, -ure, English word-formation, suffixation, loanwords, productivity, French etymology, Germanic bases, Latinate Constraint, Class I and Class II affixes, BNC Baby corpus, Oxford English Dictionary.
- Quote paper
- Esther Döringer (Author), 2012, Morphological change in derivation: The use of the two French suffixes -ment and -ure in English word-formation by suffixation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/203118
