Last modified 3 Sept 07
(i) words that are new to you, but that you expect are probably already in the language (e.g. recorded in some dictionary or perhaps in a glossary in a textbook). This is the standard way of building your vocabulary: writing down words you did not know before (often in your field of specialization). Many of these words will be technical terms, formed of Latinate or classical morphology.
For these words you will provide a short entry following the model of a standard dictionary entry with three parts: The term itself; followed in second place by an analysis of the component parts of the word with their associated meaning (we will call this a 'parsing' of the word; it corresponds to what dictionaries use as the etymology of a word, but is really a very 'boiled down' summary of its origin in terms of the origins of its parts. ); and finally, in third place, a definition, composed by you.
Regarding the parsing part, look at some models by consulting a good standard dictionary such as Webster's Third International or the Shorter Oxford English dictionary and make sure you understand the parsing/etymology conventions.
Pocket dictionaries will not give you enough information about the parsing/etymology to be useful--nor will many on-line dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary on the web, available from the Fondren web catalogue, is good for observing how a dictionary entry is properly done.
Do your best to frame your definition in understandable language. Dictionaries often use overly complex or technical language because they are constrained by the need for maximal brevity. Don't just copy a definition you found somewhere; define the word yourself so that you understand it. For example, my dictionary uses the term nucleoli without explanation in its definition of nucleolate. In my definition below, I used 'small round clusters' because this makes more sense to the non-specialist.
EXAMPLE: nucleolate [Lat. nucleol(us) 'small kernel' (< nucleus) + -ate 'having properties of, shaped like']. Having small round clusters (nucleoli) in the cell nucleus. 'The tissue is composed of nucleolate cells or plasmosomes.'
(ii) novel formations (neologisms): words that are apparently novel to the language (probably not yet recorded in a dictionary). A novel word can be, for example, a known stem with a new ending; a new compound made up of familiar words; a preexisting form that has been given a rather different new meaning from its ordinary sense; or a totally new creation.
Give the context of the word, i.e. the sentence or clause in which the word occurred. In addition, specify the source of the example (e.g. a conversation with a friend, a newspaper advertisement, a cartoon, a novel, radio program etc.) Also include the exact date of the publication you saw the word in, if found in print. Give the date, at least month and year, that you heard the word used if it was 'caught' in speech. The date will be important in tracking the occurrence of words that are new at the time you find them. Posting the date of occurrence will make our neologisms dictionary more valuable in future years as evidence of when a new word was coming in to the language.
Next, give your interpretation of the intended meaning of the new word as used in the context. Then give an analysis of the component parts of the word (if any). Classify the new word, as far as possible, as one of the types of novel formations discussed in class. Most existing words are derivations, i.e. root + affix(es), or compounds of various types. Derivation and compounding are the most common word formation processes in all languages. English, in addition, has a number of other interesting formation types, including blends, back-formation, acronyms, and others.
In a discussion section (one or two paragraphs), discuss and analyze your novel word forms in light of the concepts we studied throughout the course. For example, does the usage involve metaphor, metonymy, or other conceptual processes or semantic changes? Make any observations you consider relevant to the form, meaning, or use of the new form. For example, you might point out the existence of words related to your word in form and meaning that could have provided an analogical model for formation of the new word. (For example, symphomania 'event referring to madness for symphonies' strongly evokes the word nymphomania.)
You might also observe an association between your word and a particular speech community (surfers, professional economists, drug users...).
For each word, make an observation on why you think the speaker or writer coined a new word instead of using something ready-made.
A nice example of the kinds of information you might put in your word journal is found in Michael Quinion's Turns of Phrase page. He gives his information in essay-like form, a very readable format. The example below on CHILLER-KILLER gives you another useful format for organizing your information for neologisms. For your Word document, choose the way that is most useful for you.
At the end of each of your words in the Word Document, write a short dictionary entry that includes the kinds of information you find in a large dictionary (Webster's 3rd International, Random House, American Heritage, the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary), etc.
CHILLER-KILLER
Context and source: 'undoubtedly one of the best writers of English
mysteries and CHILLER-KILLER plots' (Los Angeles Times, 1-16-91)
Apparent meaning: Containing numerous episodes of killing, such that a reader will be horrified ('chilled') while reading it. It seems also to suggest surprise or suspense as well. The -er suffix on chill appears to mean 'person or thing acting or causing' as in strainer ('thing that strains'); but perhaps it might also be considered the -ER that means 'characterized by' as in double-decker, two-seater.
The -er on killer is certainly 'person/thing acting', but even if the first -ER has that meaning, the two parts of the compound are not entirely parallel: it's the book or plot that chills, but it doesn't kill, even in any metaphorical sense. The book simply features killers among its characters. Possible models for this coinage are thriller and shocker which in terms of meaning fit the pattern of the first part.
Type of word formation: Rhyming compound.
Possible reason used: writer was seeking colorful, but compact way of describing the style and content of a murder mystery plot, and found two rhyming words in which the desired combination of senses could be expressed. The rhyme seems to make the word particularly expressive. The existence of thriller might also be a factor; perhaps the writer wanted to say something like thriller but found the latter too much of a cliche.
Dictionary entry:
chiller-killer, adj.
Containing numerous episodes of killing, such that a reader will feel
suspense and cold horror while reading it. ('a chiller-killer plot')
[Rhyming compound formed from roots chill and kill, plus
affix -er on each root.]
Your target should be 15 newly-learned (by you) words and 25 novel formations. The border between the two kinds of new words is not a rigid one, so just use your common sense in deciding which type you're dealing with. The rule of thumb is: Type (i) = a word that is established, accepted by some authority (dictionary, scientific community etc.). Type (ii) = A word that is newly emergent in speech community, not yet sanctioned by any authority.
Here are some guidelines about where to get your words, including some honor code considerations:
© 2000-2007 Suzanne Kemmer
Last modified 3 Sept 07