Search results for 'tag:Prefixes tag:Morphology' matching tags 'Prefixes' and 'Morphology'

Re: Which language is most difficult language for people to learn?

Forbes — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:40:52 GMT

When you say that English morphology is simple, I assume you are referring to the comparative lack of grammatical inflection. English employs a wide range of prefixes and suffixes to form new words. So, while English is highly analytic, it is by no means totally isolating, though it has isolating tendencies.

I think we have some difficulty with the word "grammar". "Grammar" includes not only morphology, but also syntax. When a student says "Latin has a lot of grammar" he means that he has had to memorise conjugations and declensions. Equally, a student of English, when he declares "English has no grammar" means he has not had the chore of memorising lots of paradigms. But clearly English has syntax - if it did not it would be soup.

In the introduction to my copy of Teach Yourself Malay the author says:

Malay is an easy language. Bafflingly easy. At the end of ten weeks you feel that you know all that there is to be known. At the end of ten years, you know you never will.

and

Malay words change their function according to context. Be prepared for this, and do not attempt to force the language into a set mould. It will escape.

Similar (but perhaps a little less extreme) observations may be made about English. It does not lack complexity; its complications are just different from other languages. The point is that some of the complications may not be perceived by native speakers or those who have learned it slowly over a number of years or live in a society where English is prevalent. Assertions that English is simple compared to other languages are purely subjective.

Re: What should I call it?

CalifJim — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:44:03 GMT

I don't think I understand the question. Nouns, adjectives, and adverbs are called parts of speech. Is that the terminology you're looking for? The study of how words are put together using meaningful prefixes and suffixes like -ness, -able, -ly, and so on, is called morphology. Is that the word you're looking for?

CJ

Helping hand

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 14:36:25 GMT

Hi everyone,

I'm an Italian student. I'm currently working on my final dissertation which will deal about derivational morphology. In particular it will be about the creation of new words in English through prefixes and suffixes. I find out it's a bit difficult to work at this matter reading linguistics book in English. Therefore I'm afraid I won't be able to structure my dissertation in the best way. Can anyone help me, please? I'm desperate...

Does anyone know some helpful websites in which I can find thesis and dissertations?

Please, please, help me!

Many thanks in advance.

Italian girl