4. Morphology

Morphemes

Smallest units of language that carry meaning

lexical + free morpheme

simple content words (book, small, write)

Lexical + bound morpheme

derivational affixes(pre- or suffix) (anti-, -less)

grammatical + free morpheme

function words (as, the, will)

grammatical + bound morpheme

inflectional affixes (-ed, -’s)

morphs

sequences of sounds in which speakers recognize meaningful elements

Endocentric compounding

Within (snakes → rattlesnakes)

Exocentric compounding

heads → skinheads

Appositional compounding

woman doctor

copulative compounding

pantyhose

Compounding

productive word-formation pattern, level of langue

univerbation

unsystematic, level of parole (e.g. anything)

coinage

process when name of person, place or brand is converted into normal lexeme

clipping

cutting away sounds or letters at end or beginning (gym, fridge, app)

Backformation

Reversal of what speakers assume was earlier process of derivation (to baby sit ← baby sitter)

Blending

playful fusion of two words (brunch)

Acronymy

Abbreviation pronounced as words (lol,asap,aids)

Alphabetism

Abbreviation pronounced letter by letter (USA,FBI)

Word-manufacture

Invention of new word without any base in existing vocabulary