When studying linguistics, students are confronted with a high degree of terminology right on from the beginning of their studies. One might assume that understanding it should not really be a problem if one considers a standard dictionary or inquires other scholars in order to find an answer to one’s lack of knowledge. However, in some cases it is simply not that easy. In the following we will take a look at the notion of the morpheme. The problem is that several different definitions exist and scholars have to be 100% aware of the meaning when confronted with linguistic literature. The Oxford Concise English Dictionary (OCED) claims the morpheme to be: “A meaningful morphological unit of a language that cannot be further divided” (OCED 1999:926) But is this a sufficient definition of the term? Are morphemes really always meaningful units? In order to understand the different opinions scholars have when referring to the morpheme, one has to have a good look at their different point of views of the field of morphology. Some scholars consider a morpheme-based approach to be the correct way of dealing with morphemes, in which they either emphasize meaning or grammatical function of morphemes, whereas others rather identify themselves with the word-form based approach, by which they entirely reject the significance of morphemes for the meaning of the sign, while concentrating on word-forms. In the following we will take a closer look at several definitions of themorpheme,established by scholars of different diachronical environments in order to find a solution to this problem and a more or less concrete definition. In the second part, the importance of the morpheme with reference to the concept of allomorphy will be examined to understand how they function and how they are realized.
Table of Contents
- I. Introduction
- II. Definitions of the morpheme
- i. The Morpheme - A general overview of definitions
- ii. Problems of the traditional approach
- III. Allomorphy and its implications for the notion of morphemes
- i. What is allomorphy?
- ii. Phonological and lexical conditioning
- iii. Morphological Conditioning and the idea of recurring partials
- IV. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore the concept of the morpheme, examining its various definitions and the implications of allomorphy. It investigates the historical evolution of the morpheme's definition, comparing differing perspectives and highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding its precise meaning and significance in linguistics.
- Defining the morpheme: Examining the evolution and discrepancies in its definition.
- Allomorphy and its impact on the understanding of morphemes.
- The role of morphemes in word formation and grammatical structure.
- Comparing morpheme-based vs. word-form based approaches to morphology.
- Analysis of the views of influential linguists such as Bloomfield and Hockett.
Chapter Summaries
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the complexities involved in defining the morpheme in linguistics. It emphasizes the existence of multiple, often conflicting, definitions and the challenges this presents to students and scholars alike. The chapter introduces the central problem – the lack of a universally accepted definition – and previews the paper's approach to tackling this issue by examining various perspectives and definitions throughout linguistic history. It sets up the exploration of different theoretical approaches and the subsequent analysis of allomorphy and its relevance to understanding morphemes.
II. Definitions of the morpheme: This chapter delves into the historical development of the morpheme's definition, starting with early 20th-century linguists' struggles to achieve a consensus. It specifically examines the contrasting views of prominent figures like Leonard Bloomfield, who prioritized the morpheme as a purely formal unit, and Charles F. Hockett, who emphasized its meaningfulness. The chapter explores the differences between morpheme-based and word-form-based approaches, highlighting the ongoing debate and the lack of a single, universally accepted definition. By contrasting Bloomfield's definition with those of other linguists, the chapter establishes the multifaceted nature of the ongoing discussion surrounding the morpheme's definition and its theoretical implications.
III. Allomorphy and its implications for the notion of morphemes: This section explores the phenomenon of allomorphy – the existence of multiple phonetic forms for a single morpheme – and its significant implications for the concept of the morpheme itself. It examines the different types of conditioning that lead to allomorphy, such as phonological, lexical, and morphological conditioning, providing detailed examples of how these conditions affect the realization of morphemes in language. The analysis connects the concept of allomorphy to the previously discussed definitions of the morpheme, clarifying how the presence of allomorphs challenges and refines the understanding of the morpheme as a consistent unit.
Keywords
Morpheme, morphology, allomorphy, Bloomfield, Hockett, linguistic definition, word formation, meaning, grammatical function, phonological conditioning, lexical conditioning, morphological conditioning.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the overall topic of this language preview?
This preview provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of the morpheme in linguistics. It explores its various definitions, the implications of allomorphy, and the historical evolution of its understanding within the field.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes: an Introduction, a section dedicated to definitions of the morpheme (including a discussion of traditional approaches and their problems), a section on allomorphy and its implications for the notion of morphemes (covering phonological, lexical, and morphological conditioning), and a Conclusion.
What are the main objectives and key themes of this language preview?
The preview aims to explore the concept of the morpheme, examining its various definitions and the implications of allomorphy. Key themes include defining the morpheme, the impact of allomorphy on understanding morphemes, the role of morphemes in word formation and grammatical structure, a comparison of morpheme-based versus word-form-based approaches, and an analysis of the views of influential linguists like Bloomfield and Hockett.
What are the key takeaways from each chapter?
Chapter I (Introduction): Highlights the complexities of defining the morpheme and the lack of a universally accepted definition. Chapter II (Definitions of the morpheme): Examines the historical development of the morpheme's definition, contrasting different perspectives and highlighting the ongoing debate. Chapter III (Allomorphy and its implications): Explores allomorphy and its types (phonological, lexical, and morphological conditioning), showcasing how it challenges and refines the understanding of the morpheme.
What are the key words associated with this preview?
Key words include: Morpheme, morphology, allomorphy, Bloomfield, Hockett, linguistic definition, word formation, meaning, grammatical function, phonological conditioning, lexical conditioning, and morphological conditioning.
Who are some of the linguists discussed in this preview?
The preview discusses the views of influential linguists such as Leonard Bloomfield and Charles F. Hockett, highlighting their contrasting approaches to defining the morpheme.
What is the difference between morpheme-based and word-form-based approaches to morphology?
The preview contrasts these approaches, showing how they differ in their focus and implications for understanding the morpheme. It highlights the ongoing debate between these perspectives.
What is allomorphy and why is it important?
Allomorphy is the existence of multiple phonetic forms for a single morpheme. The preview explains its importance because it significantly impacts the concept of the morpheme itself and challenges the notion of a consistent unit.
What is the overall conclusion of this language preview?
While not explicitly stated in the provided summaries, the conclusion would likely reiterate the complexities and ongoing debates surrounding the definition and understanding of the morpheme in linguistics, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of this crucial concept.
- Quote paper
- Carsten Krumdiek (Author), 2004, The morpheme - An approach to its meaning and function, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/71319
