The aim of the following essay is to expose the irregular character of derivation without affixation. To this end, the derivational processes of conversion and shortening will be surveyed first and different types of shortenings will be scrutinised as to their heterogeneity; second, the unpredictability of their output will be exposed, and, third, it will be shown that no definite rules can be sustained; fourth, a certain unifying approach to the consideration of irregularities will be outlined.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Short survey of conversion
- II. Shortenings
- 1. survey of types, differentiation criteria (abbreviation, clipping, blend, alphabetism, acronym)
- 2. predictability of the output and definite rules
- 2.1. clippings (initial, middle, final; words/phrases as input)
- 2.2. acronyms (the character of input, pronunciation of the output)
- 3. constraints - blending
- 3.1. constraints on the input
- 3.1.1. syntactic
- 3.1.2. semantic
- 3.2. constraints on the output
- 3.2.1. morphological
- 3.2.2 phonological (phonotactic, phonemic, syllable structure, length)
- 3.3. "marginal" blends, pseudo-affixes
- III. Prototype theory for categorisation of shortenings
- 1. prototype shortenings (trends, patterns)
- 2. hybrids
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to demonstrate the irregular nature of derivation without affixation, focusing on conversion and shortenings. It will examine the heterogeneity of shortening types, expose the unpredictability of their output, and argue against the existence of definite rules governing their formation. Finally, it proposes a unifying approach to understanding these irregularities.
- The irregular nature of derivation without affixation.
- The diverse types and processes of shortenings (abbreviation, clipping, blending, alphabetism, acronym).
- The unpredictability and lack of strict rules in shortening formation.
- The application of prototype theory to understand the irregularities in shortening formation.
- A comparative analysis of conversion and shortening processes.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
I. Short survey of conversion: This section introduces the concept of conversion, a process of word formation where a word changes its grammatical function without altering its form (e.g., "bottle" as a noun and a verb). The discussion highlights the controversial nature of conversion, emphasizing the lack of a universally accepted theoretical framework, terminology, and definition. Different approaches to understanding conversion and its status within word-formation are discussed, leading to a nuanced overview of its complexities and frequent ambiguities. The section identifies four primary conversion patterns in English (noun to verb, adjective to verb, verb to noun, adjective to noun), illustrating the varying productivity levels among them. The chapter further explores less common conversions involving adverbs, compounds, acronyms, and other word classes, emphasizing the role of context and shared knowledge in understanding neologisms. Finally, it addresses issues of blocking, where the existence of a derived word prevents the conversion of its root, providing a multifaceted exploration of the challenges in analyzing this word-formation process.
II. Shortenings: This chapter delves into shortenings, another form of derivation without affixation. It begins by classifying different types of shortenings—abbreviation, clipping, blend, alphabetism, and acronym—based on criteria such as input word number and output pronunciation. Each type is explained with examples, highlighting their diverse mechanisms and resulting forms. The chapter then shifts to address the apparent predictability of output and the possibility of establishing definite rules governing the process. By examining less common examples and contrasting shortening types, however, it reveals a significant level of unpredictability and the complexity inherent in these processes. The text shows that while some patterns can be observed, the coinages are less transparent and more haphazard than initially suggested, underscoring the irregularity even within seemingly well-defined categories of word formation.
III. Prototype theory for categorisation of shortenings: This section proposes utilizing prototype theory to address the inherent irregularities of shortenings. It argues that this approach offers a more coherent and methodical explanation for the diverse and seemingly random patterns observed, reframing these irregularities not as flaws but as evidence of linguistic flexibility. The application of prototype theory allows for a systematic understanding of the 'typical' and less typical shortenings, and also how hybrids or combinations of these types exist. This framework helps account for the inconsistencies and variations found within shortening processes, showcasing a more encompassing and insightful perspective on the phenomenon.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Derivation without affixation, conversion, shortenings, abbreviation, clipping, blend, alphabetism, acronym, word formation, morphology, prototype theory, irregularities, linguistic flexibility, unpredictability.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Derivation without Affixation
What is the main focus of this language preview?
This preview comprehensively examines derivation without affixation, specifically focusing on conversion and shortenings. It explores the diverse types and processes involved, highlighting their irregularities and unpredictability.
What are the key themes explored in this preview?
Key themes include the irregular nature of derivation without affixation, the various types of shortenings (abbreviation, clipping, blending, alphabetism, acronym), the unpredictability of shortening formation, the application of prototype theory to understand these irregularities, and a comparative analysis of conversion and shortening processes.
What types of shortenings are discussed?
The preview details five types of shortenings: abbreviation, clipping, blend, alphabetism, and acronym. Each type is explained with examples, highlighting their unique formation processes and resulting forms.
Why is prototype theory used in this analysis?
Prototype theory is applied to provide a more coherent framework for understanding the irregularities and diverse patterns observed in shortening formation. It helps explain the inconsistencies and variations within these processes, offering a more comprehensive perspective.
What is conversion in the context of word formation?
Conversion refers to a word formation process where a word changes its grammatical function (e.g., noun to verb) without any change in its form. The preview discusses the complexities and ambiguities associated with conversion, exploring different approaches to understanding this process.
What are the chapter summaries?
Chapter I provides a survey of conversion, highlighting its controversial nature and diverse patterns. Chapter II delves into shortenings, classifying different types and emphasizing their unpredictability. Chapter III proposes using prototype theory to categorize shortenings, offering a more systematic understanding of their irregularities.
What is the overall conclusion of the preview?
The preview argues against the existence of definite rules governing shortening formation, emphasizing the significant level of unpredictability inherent in these processes. It proposes prototype theory as a more unifying and insightful approach to understanding these irregularities.
What are some key words associated with this topic?
Key words include: Derivation without affixation, conversion, shortenings, abbreviation, clipping, blend, alphabetism, acronym, word formation, morphology, prototype theory, irregularities, linguistic flexibility, unpredictability.
- Quote paper
- MA Irina Giertz (Author), 2005, Derivation without Affixation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/131533
