Neologism Assignment - Study Notes

Overview of the Neologism Assignment (Week 4)

  • The assignments this week focus on neologisms: creating new words or combining existing words to form new terms. The two discussions in this module both center on creativity in language, innovation, and active participation in discussion.

  • The instructor emphasizes practical workflow and thoughtful reflection as core parts of the assignment.

Submission policy and resubmission rules

  • For students who have already submitted: you may redo the assignment if you want to revise it. The Dropbox allows multiple submissions.

  • The most recent submission will be kept, or the better one may be used for grading after comparison.

  • For students still working: you can request a one-day extension, depending on what is holding you back (e.g., writer’s block).

Due date and extension details

  • Original due date: tonight. If you’re not ready, there is a potential extension.

  • Extension policy (emergency-based): if ten percent of students are unable to complete on time, a 24-hour extension will be granted. The instructor will decide by tonight around 11:00 p.m. whether the extension applies based on attendance and submissions.

  • The extension window is a 24-hour period following the original deadline.

What the neologism assignment asks you to do

  • Element 1: Reflective writing on language use

    • Describe times when you have an unstoppable urge and a full vocabulary bank versus times when you run out of words or lack stimulus to speak.

    • Recall and discuss that experience in your assignment.

  • Element 2: Create new words or compound existing words

    • Option A: Coin a brand-new word (a neologism) and explain its meaning, usage, and context.

    • Option B: Create a portmanteau or compound word by merging two existing words into a new term (a word you might not have heard before).

    • Context matters: a new word should carry a meaning that is understandable in its usage context, even if you cannot fully explain the etymology.

    • Example concepts mentioned: absoluternal and Jackosaurus as ideas for combining words.

    • Aquiniche is presented as an example of a coined term you might use.

Examples and real-life inspiration

  • Example coinages mentioned: "Aquiniche", "absoluternal", "Jackosaurus".

  • Personal anecdote: children often blend languages (e.g., Urdu with English) to create cute, meaningful expressions whose meaning is clear from context even if not formally defined.

  • If you can’t create a new word on your own, brainstorming with ChatGPT is encouraged to generate 2–3 candidate words.

    • Important caveat: do not copy or rely on ChatGPT for content; you should select the words and explain their meanings and contexts yourself.

    • The goal is originality and justification of usage, not plagiarism.

Using ChatGPT for brainstorming

  • ChatGPT can help generate a short list of candidate words (2–3 at most).

  • You must explain why you chose those words, what they mean, and where they could be used in context.

  • Do not copy whole phrases or passages; use it only to brainstorm potential terms and ideas.

MLA formatting and word count expectations

  • The assignment requires writing about 250 words (250-word count).

  • Formatting must adhere to MLA style:

    • Create a document in Word, PDF, or Google Docs.

    • Save the document locally on your computer.

    • Apply MLA formatting to the document before submitting.

  • Then upload the document to the assigned discussion area.

  • The forum submission should include:

    • The neologism content in MLA format.

    • A reply to at least one classmate with a positive comment and a short analysis or question about their word(s).

  • Screenshots are not allowed in the submission.

Supported formats and submission steps

  • Allowed file formats: Word, PDF, Google Docs (no screenshots).

  • Submission steps:

    • Write a 250-word document in MLA format.

    • Save the document as Word, PDF, or Google Doc.

    • Upload it to the assignment area (discussion forum).

    • Reply to a classmate with a positive comment and a brief analysis or question.

Extensions and contingency plans

  • If you cannot finish by tonight, you have an option to extend by 24 hours (one day).

  • The instructor will determine whether this extension is granted based on overall submission rates, aiming to support up to 10% of students who may be unable to complete on time.

  • The decision will be announced by tonight around 11:00 p.m.

Time management and in-meeting logistics

  • The instructor plans to allocate about 1 hour (or slightly more) for this session to complete the assignment and take attendance.

  • After attendance is taken, the instructor will exit the meeting.

  • If you have questions, you can ask during the meeting or via the usual course channels.

Accessibility, IT and formatting tips

  • If you have trouble accessing Word via the course’s licensing or IT, check with the IT department for free access to Microsoft Word/Office.

  • If obtaining Word is not possible, you can still participate by typing directly in the discussion forum, but remember to format the content in MLA style and reach the 250-word requirement.

Practical tips for success

  • Start early to avoid writer’s block; plan your two elements (reflection and word creation) and outline your 250-word piece.

  • Choose 2–3 candidate words (if using ChatGPT) and clearly justify why each word fits your context and usage.

  • Clarify the context in which your coined word or blend would be used; explain its meaning, function, and potential audience.

  • Ensure your document follows MLA formatting guidelines before uploading.

  • Engage with a classmate by offering positive feedback and asking clarifying or exploratory questions about their word choices.

Attendance and wrap-up notes

  • The instructor will take attendance after the session and then close the meeting.

  • Names called during attendance included Precious, Marilyn, and others; participation matters for the class dynamics, but attendance is separate from the assignment submission.

Ethical and practical implications

  • Emphasizes originality and careful use of brainstorming tools like ChatGPT: use for idea generation, not for copying.

  • Highlights the importance of context in language creation: a new word must be interpretable in its intended setting.

  • Encourages critical thinking about language, creativity, and real-world communication needs.

10ackslash ext{%} of students might trigger the extension rule, and the extension window is 24 ext{ hours}; the decision deadline is 11:00 ext{ p.m.} tonight.

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