BACK FORMATION IN ENGLISH: HOW NEW VERBS LIKE “EDIT” EMERGE
Keywords:
Back-formation, morphology, English, verbs, language change, compounding, derivation, lexical development.Abstract
Back – Formation is a distinctive word formation process in English through which new verbs emerge by removing what appear to be affixes from existing nouns. This article puts forward the thesis that back – formation is not only a reflection of speaker’s desire for linguistic economy but also a key driver of vocabulary growth. By analyzing both historical and present-day examples, the study reveals how this process contributes to the ongoing development of the English lexicon. Furthermore, it contrasts back-formation wit other morphological strategies, emphasizing its unique role in shaping modern English.
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References
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Marchand, H. (1969). The Categories and Types of Present-Day English Word-Formation. C.H. Beck.
