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English Public Exam > Topic 10: Lexis: Characteristics of word-formation in English. Prefixation, Suffixation and Compounding > Flashcards

Topic 10: Lexis: Characteristics of word-formation in English. Prefixation, Suffixation and Compounding Flashcards

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1
Q

Which famous linguist’s work contributed to the study of word formation?

A

Noam Chomsky, particularly his book “Syntactic Structures” published in 1957.

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2
Q

What publication did Dr. Johnson create in the 15th century?

A

The Dictionary of the English Language.

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3
Q

What was the purpose of the Oxford English Dictionary, started in 1857?

A

To document and control the creation of new words in English.

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4
Q

How does the document classify words from a morphological perspective?

A

Words are classified as either monomorphemic (single morpheme) or polymorphemic (more than one morpheme).

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5
Q

What is a morpheme?

A

The smallest meaningful unit of grammatical analysis.

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6
Q

How many morphemes are in the word “unlikely”?

A

Three morphemes: un-, like, and -ly.

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7
Q

What are free morphemes?

A

Words that can stand alone, such as “love”.

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8
Q

What are bound morphemes?

A

Morphemes that cannot stand alone and are attached to other morphemes, such as -ness or dis-.

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9
Q

What are the two types of words distinguished by linguists?

A

Orthographic words (written with spaces) and phonological words (pronounced as a single unit).

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10
Q

What is the difference between lexical terms and lexemes?

A

Lexical terms are items listed in dictionaries as separate words, while lexemes are stored mentally as individual items.

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11
Q

What is the most common method of creating new words in English?

A

Derivation (also known as affixation).

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12
Q

What are infixes?

A

Morphemes placed within the base of a word.

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13
Q

Does English have a formal system of infixes?

A

No, infixes are commonly used in informal or colloquial language.

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14
Q

What is prefixation?

A

The process of adding a prefix to a root word.

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15
Q

What is a negative prefix? Give examples.

A

A prefix that negates the meaning of the root, such as UN-, NON-, or DIS- (e.g., unfair, non-smoker, dislike).

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16
Q

What is suffixation?

A

The process of adding a suffix to a root word.

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17
Q

What is the primary function of suffixes?

A

To change the grammatical function of the base word.

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18
Q

Give examples of noun suffixes.

A

-AGE (orphanage), -SHIP (citizenship), -ER (walker), -LET (booklet).

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19
Q

Give examples of adjective suffixes.

A

-ED (printed), -FUL (mindful), -ABLE (adorable).

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20
Q

What is compounding?

A

The process of combining two or more existing words to create new words.

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21
Q

The process of combining two or more existing words to create new words.

A

They can be hyphenated, written as one word, or as separate words (e.g., duty-free, newspaper, car park).

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22
Q

What are the three types of compounds based on their function?

A

Noun compounds, adjective compounds, and verb compounds.

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23
Q

Give an example of a compound noun.

A

“Car salesman” (a man who sells cars).

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24
Q

What is conversion in word formation?

A

The process where a word changes from one word class to another.

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25
Q

Give an example of a noun that converts to a verb.

A

“Drink” can become “to drink”.

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26
Q

What is blending in word formation?

A

The combination of two or more existing words to form a new word (e.g., brunch from breakfast and lunch).

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27
Q

What is clipping?

A

The process of shortening a word (e.g., flu from influenza).

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28
Q

Define acronyms.

A

Words formed from the initial letters of a phrase and pronounced as a new word (e.g., NATO for North Atlantic Treaty Organization).

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29
Q

What is initialism?

A

A type of acronym where the letters are pronounced individually (e.g., BBC for British Broadcasting Corporation).

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30
Q

What is back-formation?

A

The creation of a new word by removing an affix from an existing word (e.g., burglar from to burgle).

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31
Q

Define folk etymology.

A

The reinterpretation of a foreign word based on similar native words (e.g., asparagus to sparrow-grass).

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32
Q

What are onomatopoeic coinages?

A

Words formed based on sounds they represent (e.g., cuckoo, bang, boom).

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33
Q

What are eponyms?

A

Words created from a person’s name who popularized or invented an object (e.g., leotard from Jules Leotard).

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34
Q

What is the significance of lexical change in the English language?

A

It is considered the most important aspect in the development of the English language.

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35
Q

What is the impact of understanding word formation in language learning?

A

It helps learners expand vocabulary and understand grammar patterns.

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36
Q

How does the document suggest improving students’ creativity in language?

A

By making them aware of the processes of word formation.

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37
Q

Why is knowledge of word formation important for effective communication?

A

It aids in the establishment of communicative competence.

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38
Q

What did Jean Baptiste Girard say about words and thoughts?

A

“By words we learn thoughts, and by thoughts we learn life”.

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39
Q

How many major processes of word formation are identified in English?

A

Three major processes: affixation, compounding, and conversion.

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40
Q

What are examples of degree prefixes?

A

SUB- (substandard) and SUPER- (supernatural).

41
Q

What is the primary function of prefixes?

A

To modify the meaning of the root word.

42
Q

Name an example of a privative prefix.

A

UN- as in “untie”.

43
Q

What is a pejorative prefix? Give an example.

A

A prefix that conveys a negative connotation, such as MIS- in “misinform”.

44
Q

How do compound adjectives form?

A

By combining nouns, adjectives, or adverbs with participles (e.g., mouth-watering, homesick).

45
Q

What are Bahuvrihi compounds?

A

Compounds that create a figurative meaning from different words (e.g., lowlife, redhead).

46
Q

Define amalgamated compounds.

A

Words that are so well combined that they are not recognized as compounds (e.g., bonfire).

47
Q

Define reduplications in compounding.

A

Formed by elements that are identical or slightly different (e.g., fifty-fifty, riff-raff).

48
Q

Can conversion involve moving from an adjective to a verb?

A

Yes, for instance, “dirty” can serve as a verb in “the boy’s T-shirt was dirtied”.

49
Q

What does the document suggest about the complexity of English?

A

English is seen as a concise yet complex language due to its variety of meanings.

50
Q

What is the significance of studying lexis in linguistics?

A

It provides insight into vocabulary and word formation processes.

51
Q

What is the function of adverb suffixes? Provide examples.

A

To form adverbs, such as -LY in “slipperily” and -WISE in “likewise”.

52
Q

What is a common feature of compound nouns?

A

The first noun typically qualifies the second noun (e.g., winter sports).

53
Q

How are compound verbs formed? Give an example.

A

By combining nouns and verbs or two verbs (e.g., baby-sit, pickpocket).

54
Q

What example illustrates the use of an adjective compound?

A

“Hard-working person” or “well-read”.

55
Q

What is the role of the first noun in a compound noun?

A

It usually qualifies the second noun.

56
Q

How does the document describe the richness of English vocabulary?

A

As a significant feature that sets English apart from other languages.

57
Q

What is the role of linguistics in the study of word formation?

A

It helps in understanding the structures and processes involved in creating new words.

58
Q

What challenges may arise from the flexibility of English vocabulary?

A

It can create difficulties for non-native speakers due to the variety of meanings.

59
Q

How does the document characterize the teaching implications of word formation?

A

It suggests that awareness of word formation can enhance vocabulary acquisition.

60
Q

What is the main goal of understanding the processes of word formation according to the document?

A

To facilitate effective communication and increase communicative competence.

61
Q

What types of minor processes are mentioned in the document?

A

Blending, clipping, acronyms, initialism, back formation, folk etymology, onomatopoeic expressions, and eponyms.

62
Q

What does the term “phonological conventions” refer to?

A

The correlation between sounds and their written forms in onomatopoeic expressions.

63
Q

How does the document suggest that students can become more motivated in language learning?

A

By understanding word formation processes, leading to quicker vocabulary acquisition.

64
Q

What is an example of a back-formation process?

A

The creation of “resurrect” from “resurrection”.

65
Q

What does the term “lexical item” refer to?

A

An item that is stored as an individual term in a speaker’s mental lexicon.

66
Q

What kind of prefixes are used to denote size or degree?

A

SUB- and SUPER-.

67
Q

How are acronyms different from initialisms?

A

Acronyms are pronounced as words (e.g., NATO), while initialisms are pronounced letter by letter (e.g., BBC).

68
Q

What does the document suggest about the importance of creativity in language use?

A

Enhancing creativity in language can lead to the quicker learning of vocabulary.

69
Q

What is the impact of lexical terms on the learning of English?

A

They help learners recognize and utilize distinct words in communication.

70
Q

How does the document define the term “word”?

A

A combination of smaller units known as morphemes.

71
Q

What is the lexical item for the verb form of “to write”?

A

WRITE, which includes variations like writes, writing, and written.

72
Q

Why is the study of word formation considered important in linguistics?

A

It reveals how language evolves and diversifies over time.

73
Q

What does the document say about the relationship between words and meanings?

A

A rich vocabulary allows for multiple expressions of similar meanings.

74
Q

How can teachers leverage the knowledge of word formation in their classes?

A

By integrating word formation exercises to enhance vocabulary and grammatical understanding.

75
Q

What is an example of a folk etymology?

A

The transformation of “asparagus” into “sparrow-grass”.

76
Q

How does compounding differ from derivation?

A

Compounding combines whole words, while derivation adds affixes to a root.

77
Q

What is the significance of productive prefixes?

A

They indicate a pattern of word formation and can affect meaning without altering word class.

78
Q

What are some examples of acronyms in everyday language?

A

NATO, NASA, and ASAP.

79
Q

How does the document characterize the complexity of English grammar?

A

It is complex but also concise, which can create challenges for learners.

80
Q

What is the role of teaching implications in the study of word formation?

A

They guide educators on how to effectively teach vocabulary acquisition.

81
Q

What can students learn about language from studying word formation?

A

They can recognize patterns and increase their vocabulary through understanding word creation.

82
Q

What is the relationship between word formation and communicative competence?

A

Understanding word formation enhances the ability to communicate effectively.

83
Q

How do suffixes mainly function in word formation?

A

By changing the grammatical function of the base word rather than its meaning.

84
Q

Give an example of a reduplication.

A

“Hodgepodge” or “ping-pong”.

85
Q

What linguistic aspect is particularly emphasized in the document?

A

The importance of vocabulary and its formation in language learning.

86
Q

How does the document describe the role of lexicographers historically?

A

They aimed to document and control new word creation.

87
Q

What is the potential benefit of analyzing word formation for language learners?

A

It can simplify vocabulary acquisition and improve overall language skills.

88
Q

What type of compounds involve combining an adjective and a noun?

A

Adjective compounds, such as “bittersweet”.

89
Q

How do prefixes typically affect the meaning of the root word?

A

They modify or negate the meaning without changing the grammatical category.

90
Q

What is the significance of the year 2002 in the document?

A

It marks the publication of Crystal’s “The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of the English Language”.

91
Q

How does the process of blending work?

A

It combines parts of two words to create a new term (e.g., “smog” from smoke and fog).

92
Q

What is a key takeaway regarding student motivation from the document?

A

Increased awareness of word formation can lead to greater interest and engagement in learning.

93
Q

What is an example of a compound that involves a verb and a noun?

A

“Sunrise” or “headache”.

94
Q

What does the term “phonological word” imply in linguistics?

A

It refers to a word pronounced as a single unit, irrespective of its written form.

95
Q

What is an example of a common onomatopoeic word?

A

“Buzz” or “sizzle”.

96
Q

How can understanding word formation improve grammar awareness?

A

By recognizing patterns in how words are formed, learners can better understand grammatical structures.

97
Q

What does the document suggest about the evolution of language?

A

Language is constantly evolving, and new words are continually being created.

98
Q

What can be inferred about the importance of vocabulary in communication?

A

A rich vocabulary facilitates clearer and more effective communication.

99
Q

What is the overall goal of the topic discussed in the document?

A

To explore the characteristics and processes of word formation in English to enhance understanding and teaching of the language.

English Public Exam (3 decks)

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