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Seidova A., Piriyeva G.
SPECIFIC FEATURES OF ENGLISH COMPAUNDS *
Аннотация:
this article explores the specific features of English compounds, focusing on their structure, formation, and semantic properties. Compounds are words formed by combining two more morphemes, which can be independent words or roots. The study highlights the different types of compounds, such as closed, open, and hyphenated forms, and discusses their syntactic behavior and phonological characteristics. Additionally, the article examines the role of compounds in enriching the English vocabulary and their usage in various contexts.
Ключевые слова:
English compounds, morphology, syntax, semantics, vocabulary, word formation, linguistic features
In English, compound words are formed by combining two more smaller words create a new word with a distinct meaning. These compounds are essential elements of the language, and they can be categorized based on their structure and function. Here are the key features of English compounds:1. Types of CompoundsClosed compounds: The words are combined without any spaces or hyphens. Examples:- toothbrush- bookstore- sunflowerHyphenated compounds: These compounds are joined by a hyphen. Examples:- mother-in-law- well-known- check-inOpen compounds: The words are written separately but function together as a single concept. Examples:- post office- high school- ice cream2. Word Classes (Parts of Speech)Compounds can be formed from different parts of speech, resulting in different compound types:Noun + Noun (Noun compounds): These are the most common types of compounds. They often describe objects or things.- toothbrush (tooth + brush)- football (foot + ball)Adjective + Noun (Adjective compounds): These compounds are typically used describe things or concepts.- blueprint (blue + print)- blackboard (black + board)Verb + Noun (Verb compounds): These compounds often describe an action or event.- checkmate (check + mate)- sailboat (sail + boat)Adverb + Adjective (Adverb compounds): These compounds often convey qualities or features.- quick-witted (quick + witted)- well-known (well + known)3. Meaning of Compound WordsCompositional meaning: Some compounds have a meaning that can be directly derived from the meanings of their parts.- toothbrush: A brush for cleaning teeth- fireplace: A place for a fireNon-compositional meaning: In some cases, the meaning of the compound word cannot be easily guessed from its parts.- butterfly: The insect (not made of butter and flies)- blackboard: A chalkboard, not a "board" that is black4. Stress PatternsThe stress pattern of compound words can affect their meaning and pronunciation:Noun compounds: Usually have stress on the first element.- postman (stress on "post")Adjective or verb compounds: Stress tends fall on the second element.- old-fashioned (stress on "fashioned")- dry-clean (stress on "clean")5. Grammatical BehaviorCompound nouns: Often used represent a single entity, object, or concept.- mailbox: A single thing, even though it consists of two words.Compound adjectives: Usually used modify nouns.- blue-eyed: A descriptive adjective.Compound verbs: These are formed by combining verbs with particles or other elements.- break up (verb + preposition)- give in (verb + preposition)6. InflectionSome compounds can take plural forms or other inflections, depending on their type:- bookshelf (bookshelves)- passerby (passersby)7. Semantic FeaturesEndocentric compounds: The meaning of the compound is related the meaning of the head word, which is the main noun or verb in the compound.- notebook (A type of book)- doghouse (A type of house)Exocentric compounds: The meaning of the compound is not directly related any one element, and the compound may not refer a specific class or category.- pickpocket (A person, not a type of pocket)- redhead (A person, not a type of head)8. ProductivityEnglish is highly productive in creating compound words. New compounds are regularly formed as language evolves, such as new technology terms (e.g., smartphone, cyberspace).9. FlexibilityMany compound words can be adapted various contexts, sometimes shifting from one part of speech another.- toothpaste (noun) → toothpaste-colored (adjective)10. Compounding Across Languages:English is a Germanic language but has borrowed many compounds from other languages (e.g., "buffet" from French, "kindergarten" from German). As a result, English compounds can often have diverse origins, which affects their structure and usage.In summary, English compounds exhibit flexibility in their formation, with various ways combine words form new, meaningful terms. Understanding their stress patterns, part-of-speech usage, and semantic shifts helps in navigating and using compound words effectively.
Номер журнала Вестник науки №1 (82) том 1
Ссылка для цитирования:
Seidova A., Piriyeva G. SPECIFIC FEATURES OF ENGLISH COMPAUNDS // Вестник науки №1 (82) том 1. С. 194 - 198. 2025 г. ISSN 2712-8849 // Электронный ресурс: https://www.вестник-науки.рф/article/20571 (дата обращения: 10.02.2025 г.)
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