Word Formation Processes in Morphology

Word Formation Processes

• Word formation is a branch of morphology that expands vocabulary
• It creates new words by modifying or changing existing words
• Different processes form new words based on other words or morphemes

Types of Word Formation Processes

1. Affixation

• Uses prefixes and suffixes to base words creating new words
• Morphemes are the smallest meaningful units in a language
• Free morphemes stand alone; bound morphemes need other morphemes for meaning
• Prefixation adds a bound morpheme to the beginning of a word
  • Pejorative: negative connotations (e.g., pseudo-intellectual)
  • Negative: opposite of positive (e.g., non-existence)
  • Attitudinal: agreement/disagreement (e.g., cooperate)
  • Classifiers: describe categories (e.g., postwar)
  • Temporal/Locative: describing time/location (e.g., inter-marry)
• Suffixation adds a bound morpheme to the end of a word
  • Forms words like teacher, educationist, hopelessness

2. Compounding

• Combines two or more free morphemes to create a new word
• Can or cannot use hyphens (e.g., bookcase, ice-cream)

3. Conversion

• Changes the class of a word without changing spelling or adding suffixes or prefixes
• The difference in meaning is determined by emphasis/stress placement
• Example: record vs. record (stress pattern changes)

4. Abbreviation

• Shortens words or phrases to create a new word
• Examples: Jr., Mr., Dr., PIN, PhD

5. Acronyms

• Creates a word by taking initials of words in a phrase or sentence
• Pronounced as a single word (e.g., PIN, AWOL)

6. Back Formation

• Removes a derivational affix to create a new word
• Opposite of the usual derivation method

7. Blending

• Combines parts of two words, creating a new word
• Examples: Brunch (breakfast + lunch), Motel (motor + hotel)

8. Borrowing

• Takes words from one language and incorporates them into another
• Example: Pizza, Algebra

9. Clipping

• Shortens words by removing syllables
• Examples: Fluenza shortened to flu, Refrigerator shortened to fridge