This paper focuses on the shortening process of clipping since the shortening of words in the English language already existed four centuries ago. The process is still gaining in importance as clipping is a frequently realized process in current English.
Some clippings like phone and flu seem to be even more popular than their original lexemes telephone and influenza. The question comes up if the usage of clippings regarding overall frequency and its limitation to formal and informal contexts has changed through time. Is it possible that some clippings nearly replaced their original form and are more frequent in common language? If that is the case, does a restriction of these clippings towards formal registers still exist?
At first, the term clipping is defined and the academic perspective towards clipping is presented. Besides, the development and function of clipping and its different types are stated. Then the corpora used for this study are shortly introduced. After that the frequency and the usage in different registers of two clippings and their original lexemes are analyzed with the help of COCA and COHA. As a conclusion, the results of the corpus-based study will be used to answer the question of how the frequency of clippings develops through time and if popular clippings are still excluded from formal registers.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Clipping
- 2.1. Definition and scientific approach
- 2.2. Development and function
- 2.3. Types of clipping
- 3. Corpus-based study
- 3.1. Example 1: Phone and telephone
- 3.2. Example 2: Flu and influenza
- 4. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper investigates the development and distribution of clippings in formal and informal English registers through a corpus-based study. It aims to determine whether the frequency of clippings has changed over time and whether their use remains restricted to informal contexts. * The definition and classification of clipping within linguistics. * The historical development and social functions of clipping. * The frequency of clipping usage in formal and informal registers. * The comparison of clipping frequency to their original lexemes. * The potential shift in the stylistic register of established clippings.Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the research by establishing the context of clipping within morphology. It highlights the enduring significance of clipping in contemporary English despite its historical presence, noting a lack of semantic change but a potential shift in stylistic register. The chapter poses key research questions concerning the evolution of clipping frequency and its continued restriction to informal contexts. The methodology is briefly outlined, emphasizing the use of the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) and the Corpus of Historical American English (COHA) to analyze the usage of two selected clippings and their original forms. 2. Clipping: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of clipping as a word-formation process. It begins by defining clipping and exploring different scholarly perspectives on its classification within linguistic theory, addressing controversies surrounding its categorization as a word-formation process and its placement within morphological theory. The chapter then discusses the historical development of clipping, noting its origins in slang and its frequent use in specific social groups. Finally, it examines the functions of clipping, focusing on how it signals familiarity and closeness. 3. Corpus-based study: This chapter details the corpus-based analysis conducted using COCA and COHA. The chapter presents a comparative study of the usage patterns of two specific clippings (the examples of "phone" and "flu" are presented in the text) and their full forms in various registers across different time periods. Through quantitative analysis of corpus data, this section provides empirical evidence that informs the research questions, offering insights into the changing frequencies of clippings in various registers and providing a measurable reflection of the shifting norms of language use.Keywords
Clipping, morphology, word-formation, corpus linguistics, register, formal language, informal language, COCA, COHA, frequency, slang, semantic change, stylistic change, historical linguistics.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Clipping
What is the main topic of this language preview?
This preview comprehensively examines the phenomenon of clipping in the English language. It focuses on the development, distribution, and usage of clipped words in formal and informal registers, analyzing their frequency and stylistic implications over time.
What is clipping in linguistics?
Clipping, as defined in this preview, is a word-formation process where a word is shortened. The preview explores various scholarly perspectives on its classification within linguistic theory and its position within morphology.
What are the key themes explored in this preview?
The key themes include the definition and classification of clipping, its historical development and social functions, its frequency of use in formal and informal registers, a comparison of clipping frequency to their original lexemes, and the potential stylistic register shifts of established clippings.
What methodology is used in this study?
A corpus-based study using the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) and the Corpus of Historical American English (COHA) is employed. This allows for quantitative analysis of the usage patterns of selected clippings and their full forms across different time periods and registers.
Which specific examples of clippings are analyzed?
The preview uses "phone" (clipping of "telephone") and "flu" (clipping of "influenza") as case studies to illustrate the changes in frequency and usage across different registers and time periods.
What are the main findings of the corpus-based study (Chapter 3)?
Chapter 3 presents a comparative analysis of the usage patterns of the chosen clippings and their full forms. The quantitative analysis from COCA and COHA provides empirical evidence regarding the changing frequencies of clippings in various registers, reflecting shifts in language use norms.
What is the significance of the historical context of clipping?
The preview emphasizes the historical development of clipping, tracing its origins in slang and its use within specific social groups. This historical perspective is crucial for understanding its current usage and stylistic implications.
What are the chapter summaries about?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of each section: Chapter 1 introduces the topic and methodology; Chapter 2 defines and details clipping as a linguistic process; and Chapter 3 presents the findings of the corpus-based study. Chapter 4 concludes the analysis.
What are the key words associated with this study?
Key words include: Clipping, morphology, word-formation, corpus linguistics, register, formal language, informal language, COCA, COHA, frequency, slang, semantic change, stylistic change, and historical linguistics.
What is the overall aim of this research paper?
The paper aims to investigate the development and distribution of clippings in formal and informal English registers. It seeks to determine if the frequency of clippings has changed over time and whether their use remains restricted to informal contexts.
- Quote paper
- Lisa Graap (Author), 2019, Clippings. The development of usage and its distribution regarding formal and informal registers, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/538546
