The Formation of English New Words: a Data Analysis of New Words Collected from 2005 to 2007
Abstract: As the most active and sensitive part of a language, words are most able to reflect the changes of language. This thesis studies the formation of English new words in terms of their sources and English word-formation. Based on these, the paper finds: (1) science and technology and social changes are the two main sources of English new words; (2) English new words emerge at a rate faster then even before and take a shorter to become parts of the English language; (3)phrases account for a considerable percentage of English new words and some of them are difficult to understand from their literal meanings; (4) compounding and derivation are still two biggest supplier of English new words but blending, borrowing, and analogy and contrast play more and more important roles in the invention of English new words;(5) the generation of English new words also bring development to word-formation.
Key words: new words, sources, word-formation
Contents
1 Introduction 3
1.1 Definition of New Words 3
1.2 Purpose of this Thesis 4
1.3 The Layout of this Thesis 5
2 Literature Review 6
2.1 Previous studies of English New Words 6
2.2 Previous Studies of English Word-formation 7
3 The Sources of English New Words 7
3.1 Science and Technology 8
3.2 Economy and Politics 10
3.3 Social Life 11
4 The Formation Processes of English New Words 13
4.1 New Words Formed by the Rules of Word-Formation 14
4.1.1 Compounding 14
4.1.2 Blending 14
4.1.3 Derivation 15
4.1.4 Coinage 15
4.1.5 Borrowing 16
4.1.6 Acronym 16
4.1.7 Conversion 17
4.1.8 Backformation 17
4.1.9 Clipping 17
4.1.10 Analogy and Contrast 17
4.2 New Words Formed through Meanings 18
5 Conclusion 19
Reference 22
Acknowledgement 23
