In the process of evolution and development of any language, role of word formation processes can not be undermined. It plays great role in enriching vocabulary and especially meaningful communication.
As, word formation processes make available various newer words to use and reference. So, let’s see, what are major word formation processes in English language.
Undoubtedly, there are various word formation processes in English language like:
Derivational
Compounding
Converging
Back formation
Afixation
Blending
Clipping
Borrowing
Abbreviation
Acronymes ………..
Forms newer words, but in the academic perspective, we are going to discuss some major processes out of these.
Major word formation process in English language
1. Derivational process of word formation
Being one of the major word formation processes, derivational process includes changes in primary words.
Basically, primary words are original words of a language and from which other words are formed. Newer words formed from these words are called as derived words.
By making internal changes in the primary word-that is forming noun from a verb or forming adjective from noun like this….
Advise=Advice
Maintain=Maintenance
Account =Accountable
Economic =Economical
2. Compounding word formation processes
In this process, new word is formed by adding one primary word with another primary word to get newer one
Black + Board =Blackboard
Police + Man = Policeman
Pick + Pocket = Pickpocket
Home + Sick = Homesick
3. Affixation word formation processes
By using prefixes and suffixes to the primary word we can make new words using this word formation process.
By adding syllables before or after the words word can be modified are changed their meanings from previous one.
Trans + port = transport
Engage + ment = engagement
En + danger = endanger
Un + fold = unfold
4. Conversion process
In this type of word formation process, same word is used for different grammatical form. Simply, we can use noun as a verb or verb as an adjective without making internal changes or adding some extra syllables.
Noun = Verb
Run = run
Punch = punch
Water = water
Experience = experience
Breakfast = breakfast
5. Back formation
Furthermore, this word formation process is similar to the conversion process. But, thereis slight difference between them. In back formation process, slightly change is done inside the primary word to make newer on.
Simply, verb is used as noun but by making slight internal change in the very form.
Concept = conception
perceive = perception
Donate =donation
6. Blending word formation processes
In addition, another important processe of word formation in which one word is intermixed with another to form a new word.
Web + seminar = webinar
Motor + hotel = motel
Hindi + English = Hinglish
Medical +care = Medicare
Work + alcoholic = Workaholic
Europe +Asia = Eurasia
7. Clipping formation processes
Obviously, in this process a new word is formed by shortening the basic words. On the basis of clipping of the word, there are various sub types of clipping.
Rather than going deep, we are going to see just some examples of these sub-processes.
Examination =exam
Celebrities =celebs
Photographs =photos
Telephone =phone
Rhinoceros =rhinos
After all, these are some of the major word formation processes important through the academic purpose.