Word Formation

Etymology
The study of word origins.
If you look at a dictionary entry,
youll see the etymology of a word.
It might be something historical,
cultural, etc.

Etymology
How does this help an ESL student?
Imagine a student encounters the
word physique, how could you help
her understand it?

Coinage
Coinage happens when a brand name
becomes the common name for something.
In the business world, this is called
branding.
Examples: jello=gelatin, kleenex=tissue,
iPod=MP3 player.
Can you think of any others?

Borrowing
Just like it sounds, borrowing occurs
when English uses words from other
languages.
Can be seen in Starbucks mocha caf
latte
Most languages use borrowing. Why do
you think this true?

Compounding
This is simply combining two words to
make one.
Noun + noun = bathtub, doormat
Adjective + noun = blacklist, lowball
Compound adjectives = easy-going,
hard-boiled

Blending
Combining two words, but shortening
both. Like compounding, but the
whole word is NOT retained.

Smoke + fog = smog

Breakfast + lunch = brunch
Spiced + ham = spam
Jazz + exercise = jazzercise

Clipping
Clipping is the shortening of words.
Some clipped words have become
more common than their full-length
counterparts.
Ad, auto, deli, demo, condo, lab, etc.
Other examples?

Special y clipping
Hypocorisms are words shortened
and finished with a y sound.
Television = telly
Barbeque = barbie
Hipster = hippy
Brits and Aussies use this A LOT.

Acronyms
Of course, we all know what these are.
But, these sometimes become everyday
words without us really thinking about it.
Radar, scuba, AIDS, MADD, and of
course, TESOL
How has technology made these more
relevant?

Zero Derivation
We mentioned this before: derivation
without any affixes added. Also
called conversion.
The poor
Down a beer
Up the price
Total a car

Onomatopoeia
Words that sound like the sound they
describe.
Buzz, hiss, splash, thud, clang, etc.
(like the old Batman TV show)
All onomatopoeias are NOT the same
for all cultures
Peeee= Beep in Japanese
Kakaraka=Cock-a-doodle-do in Hindi
Can you think of any in another language?

Multiple processes
A word can undergo several of these
processes we discussed.
Final thoughts?