The drumper went on drumping until the drumperism lets him get drumpish.Every time we can form new words with the help of word formation processes. There are many different processes which lead to many different new words. But how can we form such new words? The sentenceThe drumper went on drumping until the drumperism lets him get drumpishconsists of four new or unknown words. I formed these words with the help of a very productive word formation process, called 'derivation'. But what does 'productive' actually mean? Productive in the content of word formation processes means that these processes are responsible for the large part of neologisms (Kortmann 1999: 58). Productive may be also described as “a pattern, meaning that when occasion demands, the pattern may be used as a model for new items.” (Adams 1973: 197). Some processes are more productive than others. This research paper deals with the most productive word formation processes of the English language, namely 'derivation', which includes 'prefixation', 'suffixation' and 'infixation', 'compounding' and 'conversion'. The word formation process 'back formation' is regarded as a borderline case, i.e. it can be counted as a member of the most productive word formation processes or as a member of the so called secondary word formation processes (Schmid 2005: 87). Because of the relation between compounding, especially compound verbs, and back formation I will treat the process in this research paper too.
After an introduction of some basic morphological terms as well as a definition of the term 'word formation' I will present the different stages a new formed word has to pass until it can be regarded as a member of the vocabulary because not every new formed word will become established. Afterwards, in the main part of this research paper, I will present these most productive word formation processes named above and give suitable examples in each case. Finally the term 'blocking' will be introduced, i.e. there are some words which just cannot be formed because there is already another word which carries the appropriate meaning and thus 'blocks' the new word (Schmid 2005: 117). In the conclusion I will give an outlook for the secondary word formation processes and a review of words which are included in the dictionary newly.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Morphology
- 2.1. Some Basic Terms
- 2.2. Word Formation Processes - Some Definitions
- 3. Stages of Establishing – Nonce Formation, Institutionalization, Lexicalization
- 4. Primary Word Formation Processes
- 4.1. Derivation
- 4.1.1. Prefixation
- 4.1.2. Suffixation
- 4.1.3. Infixation
- 4.2. Compounding
- 4.2.1. Compound Nouns
- 4.2.2. Compound Verbs
- 4.2.3. Compound Adjectives
- 4.2.4. Neo-classical Compounds
- 4.3. Conversion
- 4.3.1. Conversion as a Result of Word Formation
- 4.3.2. Conversion as a Syntactic Process
- 4.4. Back Formation
- 4.1. Derivation
- 5. Blocking - Restrictions on Productivity
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper aims to explore the most productive word formation processes in the English language. It seeks to define these processes, provide examples, and discuss the stages involved in establishing new words. The paper also examines the concept of "blocking," where existing words prevent the formation of new words with similar meanings. * Identification of the most productive word formation processes in English. * Examination of the stages involved in establishing new words (nonce formation, institutionalization, lexicalization). * Analysis of the concept of "blocking" in word formation. * Detailed explanation of derivation (prefixation, suffixation, infixation), compounding, and conversion. * Discussion of back-formation as a borderline case of productive word formation.Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the research paper by introducing the concept of word formation processes and their role in creating new words in the English language. It highlights the significance of studying productive word formation processes – those responsible for a large portion of neologisms – and specifically focuses on derivation, compounding, and conversion as the most productive processes. The chapter also briefly touches upon back-formation and its ambiguous categorization. Finally, it outlines the structure of the paper, promising to explore basic morphological terms, the stages of word establishment, and the concept of "blocking." 2. Morphology: This chapter establishes foundational morphological concepts, differentiating between word formation (creation of new lexemes) and inflectional morphology (creation of different word forms of the same lexeme). It defines key terms like "lexeme," "morpheme" (free and bound), "affix," "prefix," and "suffix," laying a crucial groundwork for understanding the word formation processes discussed in later chapters. The chapter emphasizes the importance of affixes, particularly in derivation, setting the context for the detailed examination of this process in subsequent sections. 3. Stages of Establishing – Nonce Formation, Institutionalization, Lexicalization: This chapter outlines the three crucial stages a newly coined word must undergo before becoming a fully established part of the lexicon. It begins with "nonce formation," where a new word is used ad hoc, usually with a transparent meaning. This is followed by "institutionalization," where the word gains acceptance amongst speakers and becomes more widely known. Finally, "lexicalization" occurs when the word is widely used and its original transparency may be lost, becoming fully integrated into the language. The chapter emphasizes the dynamic nature of language and how new words integrate into the system.Keywords
Word formation processes, derivation, prefixation, suffixation, infixation, compounding, conversion, back-formation, neologisms, nonce formation, institutionalization, lexicalization, blocking, morphology, lexeme, morpheme, affix.
FAQ: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this research paper?
This research paper explores the most productive word formation processes in the English language. It focuses on derivation, compounding, and conversion, examining how new words are created and established within the lexicon.
What word formation processes are covered in detail?
The paper provides detailed explanations of derivation (including prefixation, suffixation, and infixation), compounding, and conversion. It also discusses back-formation as a less straightforward case.
What are the stages involved in establishing a new word?
The paper outlines three stages: nonce formation (ad hoc use), institutionalization (wider acceptance), and lexicalization (full integration into the language, potentially losing original transparency).
What is "blocking" in the context of word formation?
The paper examines the concept of "blocking," where the existence of an established word prevents the creation of a new word with a similar meaning.
What are the key morphological terms defined in the paper?
The paper defines key morphological terms such as lexeme, morpheme (free and bound), affix, prefix, and suffix. It also distinguishes between word formation and inflectional morphology.
What is the overall objective of the research?
The research aims to identify and define the most productive word formation processes in English, provide examples, and analyze the stages involved in establishing new words, including the phenomenon of "blocking".
What are the chapter summaries?
The paper includes chapter summaries covering an introduction to word formation processes, a foundational explanation of morphology, a detailed description of the stages of word establishment, and finally, a conclusion that emphasizes the key findings.
What keywords are associated with this research?
Keywords include: Word formation processes, derivation, prefixation, suffixation, infixation, compounding, conversion, back-formation, neologisms, nonce formation, institutionalization, lexicalization, blocking, morphology, lexeme, morpheme, affix.
What is the structure of the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes sections on Introduction, Morphology (with subsections on basic terms and word formation processes), Stages of Establishing New Words, Primary Word Formation Processes (with subsections on Derivation, Compounding, Conversion, and Back Formation), and finally, Blocking.
Where can I find more information on this topic?
The provided text is a comprehensive preview, providing a solid foundation for further research on word formation processes in English. More detailed information can be found in academic literature on linguistics and morphology.
- Citation du texte
- Anonym (Auteur), 2005, The Most Productive Word Formation Processes of the English Language, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/69367
