Every nation is known by the culture represented through the language it keeps, and every aspect of the life of a people is reflected in their vocabulary. Like the history of a country, its vocabulary bears witness of its past and present. As the community changes in its technological development or social transformation, so does its language. Some words get out of usage or get transformed; new words are created to represent the reality brought to us by mass media in particular through news reporting.
Although there are general patterns of word-formation, language is not a fixed, rigid system; according to the current stage of development new words enter the vocabulary continuously, and certain tendencies of forming new words appear and may disappear again. This work will be focused on current trends in American English word-formation and new words in news reporting. After the presentation of general definitions of neologisms, their aspects and major word-formation patterns, morphological classification will be shown. Although various semantic fields of neologisms will be introduced, it is almost impossible to present all tendencies. In order to fix certain trends, largely have been chosen and examined examples from John Algeo′sFifty Years Among the New Words ( A Dictionary of Neologisms, 1941 - 1991)and Jonathon Green′s Neologisms - New Words since 1960.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Definitions and Major Features of Neologisms
- 3. Morphological Classification of New Words
- 4. Semantic Fields of Neologisms
- 5. Conclusion
- 6. Works Cited
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to examine current trends in American English word-formation, specifically focusing on neologisms appearing in news reporting. It explores the definitions and characteristics of neologisms, their morphological classification, and the semantic fields in which they emerge.
- Definitions and characteristics of neologisms in American English
- Morphological analysis of neologism formation
- Semantic fields and contexts of neologisms in news reporting
- Trends in American English word-formation
- The role of neologisms in reflecting societal and technological change
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the study by emphasizing the dynamic nature of language and its reflection of societal and technological shifts. It highlights the continuous influx of new words into the vocabulary and the importance of analyzing these neologisms to understand evolving cultural contexts. The chapter introduces the focus on current trends in American English word-formation, particularly within the context of news reporting, and outlines the structure of the work, promising an exploration of neologism definitions, morphological classification, and semantic fields.
2. Definitions and Major Features of Neologisms: This chapter provides a rigorous definition of "new words," establishing the criteria for inclusion in dictionaries, emphasizing frequent usage. It introduces the term "neologism" and its evolution, highlighting its dual application to entirely new words and existing words with newly assigned meanings. The chapter explores the fundamental purpose of neologisms—filling representational gaps arising from technological, scientific, or social advancements—and distinguishes between "nonce" words, created for immediate use, and words intended for lasting incorporation. The chapter further analyzes the motivations behind neologism creation, categorizing them as either pragmatic (driven by societal or technological change) or aesthetic (driven by creative linguistic delight).
3. Morphological Classification of New Words: This chapter delves into the classification of neologisms based on word-formation types and contextual fields. Using Algeo's "Fifty Years Among the New Words" as a framework, it presents a morphological classification system outlining six primary sources of neologisms: combining, shifting, shortening, blending, borrowing, and creating. The chapter focuses on the prominence of combining as the most productive method, detailing its subcategories of derivatives and compounds, and emphasizing the complex linguistic phenomena that neologisms represent.
Keywords
Neologisms, American English, word-formation, news reporting, morphology, semantics, linguistic change, societal change, technological change, dictionary, word coinage.
FAQ: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Neologisms in American English News Reporting
What is the main topic of this language preview?
This preview focuses on neologisms – newly coined words – in American English, specifically those appearing in news reporting. It examines their definitions, morphological classifications, semantic fields, and the role they play in reflecting societal and technological change.
What are the key themes explored in this preview?
The key themes include defining and characterizing neologisms in American English, analyzing their morphological formation (how they are created), identifying their semantic fields (the topics they relate to) in news reporting, understanding trends in American English word-formation, and examining how neologisms reflect societal and technological advancements.
What is the scope of the neologism analysis?
The analysis centers on neologisms found in contemporary American English news reporting. It doesn't cover all types of neologisms, but specifically those emerging in this particular context.
How are neologisms defined and categorized in this preview?
The preview provides a rigorous definition of "new words," considering factors like frequency of usage and dictionary inclusion. It differentiates between entirely new words and existing words with newly assigned meanings. It also distinguishes between "nonce" words (used only once) and those intended for lasting incorporation into the language. Morphological classification explores methods of neologism creation, including combining, shifting, shortening, blending, borrowing, and creating.
What is the morphological classification system used?
The preview utilizes a system based on Algeo's "Fifty Years Among the New Words," classifying neologisms according to their word-formation processes (e.g., combining, shortening, borrowing). It highlights combining as a highly productive method, further subdividing it into derivatives and compounds.
What are the semantic fields considered?
The preview analyzes the semantic fields in which neologisms appear within news reporting, exploring the contextual meanings and how these relate to broader societal and technological developments.
What is the overall objective of this work?
The work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current trends in American English word-formation as reflected in neologisms within news reporting. It seeks to understand the linguistic mechanisms and societal influences shaping the evolution of the language.
What are the key chapters and their content?
The preview includes chapters on the introduction, definitions and major features of neologisms, morphological classification of new words, semantic fields of neologisms, a conclusion, and works cited. Each chapter delves deeper into specific aspects of neologism analysis, building on the previous ones to provide a comprehensive understanding.
What keywords are associated with this preview?
Key words include: Neologisms, American English, word-formation, news reporting, morphology, semantics, linguistic change, societal change, technological change, dictionary, word coinage.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Natalia Gavrylenko (Autor:in), 2005, Neologisms in American News Reporting, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/63125
