Last modified 23 Nov 08
This assignment, which will last through the semester, is to alert you to the creative aspects of the word formation processes of English. The assignment is to keep a "Word Journal" in which you can collect information on new words you come across.
You can collect your words in a paper notebook and/or a computer file, but the final versions of your word entries will be entered by you in an online class database, with all the information requested below for this assignment. The entries must be added by Wednesday Dec. 3, 2008, the due date for the journal for Fall 2008.
There are two kinds of new words I would like you to look for:
(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. Find 10 of these.
For these words you will provide a short entry following the model of a standard dictionary entry with three parts: The term itself and part of speech (also called the grammatical category); followed in second place by an analysis of the component parts of the word and their etymological origins; and finally, the third part, a definition, composed by you in your own words.
For the second part, the analysis, break the word down into its component morphemes with their associated meaning. For complex words we call this a parsing of the word; it corresponds roughly to what dictionaries use as the etymology of a word because it gives the origin of each part.
The third part is an exercise in definition-writing, a skill by no means simple and instantly acquired. It takes practice, and thought about what a word means outside the context of a single sentence.
Regarding the parsing/etymology 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. We will practice parsing in class. Also see the link Parsing.
Pocket dictionaries will not give you enough information about the parsing/etymology to be useful--nor will most on-line dictionaries or dictionaries included in computers. The Oxford English Dictionary on the web, available from the Fondren web catalogue, is good for observing how a dictionary entry is properly done. Some etymologies can also be found in the Online Etymology Dictionary, which has good reliable information for the etymologies it includes, but is not comprehensive.
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.'
The symbol < means "is derived from" or "comes from".
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, being visually descriptive of the actual kind of thing designated.
Upload your "Words New to You" collection to the Drop Box in Owlspace by Wednesday Dec. 3.
(ii) neologisms, sometimes called novel formations: 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 (i.e. a new derivation); a new compound made up of familiar words; a preexisting form that has been given a rather different new meaning from its ordinary sense; a new loanword; or a totally new creation.
For neologisms you will include:
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.
Our format will follow the structure of the boxes given in the database, but inside the text boxes, you can organize your discussion of the word in the way that is most useful for you. You will use your knowledge of words gained from this class to make educated hypotheses about what processes you can observe in these new word formations and meanings.
The following is an example for the neologism CHILLER-KILLER. This example shows how how a word analyst will observe various aspects of a word and interpret its meaning and structure in a way consistent with what we have learned in the course. Not everything about every neologism will be 100% straightforward, so you will have to interpret and analyze, in the light of what you have learned in the course. You can use reference materials (authoritative sources) to gain more information. But cite any sources you use (print or web).
chiller-killer
Grammatical category: ADJ
Type of word formation: (from menu): Compound. (elaboration in second text box:) Rhyming compound.
Definition: 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. Writer probably coined this word because s/he 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.
Etymology: Rhyming compound formed from roots chill and kill, plus affix -er on each root.
Citation and source: "undoubtedly one of the best writers of English mysteries and chiller-killer plots" (Los Angeles Times, 1-16-91)
The number of words to be collected is as follows: 10 words newly-learned (by you) words and 20 neologisms (novel words).
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:
© 2000-2008 Suzanne Kemmer
Last modified 23 Nov 08