Semantics and Word Formation

This book provides an in-depth analysis of five nominal suffixes and their impact on English semantics, particularly through historical and literary examples in Semantics and Word Formation.

In Semantics and Word Formation, the author explores the integration of five key nominal suffixes into the English language: -ment, -ance, -ation, -age, and -al. These suffixes, which entered Middle English through French borrowings, play a significant role in forming abstract nouns. By attaching to various base categories, such as 'cord' becoming 'cordage' or 'adjust' transforming into 'adjustment', these suffixes create a rich tapestry of meaning in the language. The book delves into how these suffixes contribute to the evolution of English semantics, examining their historical context and contemporary usage.

The author considers the possibility that each suffix may influence the semantic profiles of the nouns they form. A thorough analysis of the first attributions from the Middle English Dictionary for each suffix reveals certain biases towards specific semantic areas. This investigation highlights how the choice of bases reflects real-world semantics, particularly concerning moral or practical meanings. Furthermore, the book discusses the shared core meanings of action or collectivity expressed through derived deverbal or denominal nouns, showcasing the nuances of language formation.

To illustrate the persistence or evolution of these tendencies over time, the results from the Middle English database are compared with the use of these suffixes in selected works by Shakespeare. This comparative approach allows for a deeper understanding of how language adapts and changes, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of English word formation and semantics.