When analysing the internal processes in a human’s mind in order to figure out how the processes of word-storage, word-production, and word-retrieving work, one of the features to be investigated is the act of word-formation. Next to the affixation and conversion, the creation of new words by combining two already existing words takes place in the human’s mind – a process called “compounding”. This paper deals with the act of compounding, the way new words are created by combination, its development in Old, Middle and Early Modern English, different features of standard compounds, and of other types of compounding. First of all, a brief introduction of the process of word-formation that has taken place in the English language over the last centuries, including Old English, Middle English and the Early Modern English will be given. This is followed by an overview of the general features of compounds themselves, including their structure, and a closer insight into nominal, adjectival, verbal and synthetic compounds. In chapter four, different types of compounding, like the neoclassical, the copulative and the exocentric compounds, which are somewhat exceptions to the normal compounds examined in chapter three, will be analysed and discussed regarding the standard compound structure. Concluding remarks will close this paper in chapter five.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Compounding in History
- 2.1 Old English
- 2.2 Middle English
- 2.3 Early Modern English
- 3. The Structure of Compounds
- 3.1 General Features of Compounds
- 3.2 Nominal Compounds
- 3.3 Adjectival Compounds
- 3.4 Verbal Compounds
- 3.5 Synthetic Compounding
- 4. Other Types of Compounding
- 4.1 Neoclassical Compounding
- 4.2 Copulative Compounding
- 4.3 Exocentric Compounding
- 5. Summary
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to investigate the process of compounding in the English language, exploring its historical development and structural features. It examines the creation of new words through combination, tracing its evolution across Old, Middle, and Early Modern English. The paper also delves into various types of compounds, analyzing their unique characteristics and deviations from standard structures.
- Historical development of compounding in English
- Structural features of different compound types
- Analysis of nominal, adjectival, and verbal compounds
- Examination of less common compounding types (neoclassical, copulative, exocentric)
- Comparison of compounding across different historical periods of English
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by establishing the significance of word formation, particularly compounding, in understanding cognitive processes related to word storage, production, and retrieval. It provides a concise overview of the paper's structure and scope, outlining the key areas of investigation: the historical development of compounding in English, the structural features of compounds, and an analysis of various types of compounding.
2. Compounding in History: This chapter traces the historical evolution of compounding across three major periods of English: Old English, Middle English, and Early Modern English. It highlights the prevalence of noun-noun, adjective-noun, and verb-noun compounds in Old English, including examples like "niht-waco" ("night-watch") and "hēah-cliff" ("high cliff"). The chapter also discusses the emergence of "Old English kennings," metaphorical compounds like "Beowulf," and examines how compounding continued in Middle English with some structural modifications, like the addition of "-s-" between nouns. The influence of French on Middle English compounding is noted, along with the development of compounds indicating place (e.g., "bak-side") and rhyming compounds. The chapter concludes by exploring the continuation of compounding into Early Modern English, including examples of Shakespearean compounds and the increased use of compounds with "of," such as "bird of prey."
Keywords
Compounding, word formation, Old English, Middle English, Early Modern English, nominal compounds, adjectival compounds, verbal compounds, neoclassical compounding, copulative compounding, exocentric compounding, historical linguistics, morphology.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to Compounding in the English Language
What is the focus of this paper?
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of compounding in the English language. It examines the historical development of compounding across Old, Middle, and Early Modern English, analyzing its structural features and various types, including nominal, adjectival, verbal, neoclassical, copulative, and exocentric compounds.
What are the key themes explored in this paper?
Key themes include the historical evolution of compounding in English, the structural characteristics of different compound types, and an analysis of less common compounding patterns. The paper also compares compounding across different historical periods of English.
What historical periods of English are covered?
The paper covers Old English, Middle English, and Early Modern English, tracing the evolution of compounding across these significant periods in the language's history. It highlights changes in structure, frequency, and types of compounds over time.
What types of compounds are discussed?
The paper discusses various types of compounds, including nominal compounds (noun + noun), adjectival compounds (adjective + noun), verbal compounds (verb + noun), neoclassical compounds (using classical Greek and Latin elements), copulative compounds (combining words of equal status), and exocentric compounds (where the meaning isn't a straightforward combination of the parts).
What are some examples of compounds discussed?
Examples include Old English compounds like "niht-waco" ("night-watch") and "hēah-cliff" ("high cliff"), Middle English compounds with added "-s-" between nouns, compounds indicating place (e.g., "bak-side"), rhyming compounds, Shakespearean compounds, and Early Modern English compounds using "of," such as "bird of prey."
How is the paper structured?
The paper is structured into five chapters: an introduction setting the context and scope; a chapter on the historical development of compounding; a chapter detailing the structure of different compound types; a chapter exploring other, less common types of compounding; and a concluding summary.
What is the significance of studying compounding?
Studying compounding is significant for understanding cognitive processes related to word storage, production, and retrieval. It sheds light on the creativity and flexibility of language and how new words are formed and integrated into the lexicon.
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Key words include compounding, word formation, Old English, Middle English, Early Modern English, nominal compounds, adjectival compounds, verbal compounds, neoclassical compounding, copulative compounding, exocentric compounding, historical linguistics, and morphology.
What is the overall objective of the paper?
The overall objective is to investigate the process of compounding in English, exploring its historical development and structural features to provide a comprehensive understanding of this important aspect of word formation.
- Quote paper
- Eveline Podgorski (Author), 2008, Word Foration Types: Compounding, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/119436
