Elective course: Word formation 3200-L2-PF-SŁO
This course deals with English word formation and, for comparison, other word-formation systems. The following word-formation categories are discussed: prefixation, suffixation, conversion and compounding. Meanders of word-formation phenomena are interpreted from the semantic point of view. Students are familiarized with morphological productivity. The grammatical correctness of many formations depends on various contextual factors. Extralinguistic factors motivating the rise of neologisms are commonly explored.
The major theme of this course is the conviction that word formation is to a large extent based on different construction patterns. Such schemas show degrees of concreteness (or abstractness). The most productive processes are based on the most detailed patterns. During this course, students discover word-formation patterns, indispensable in their further work on English and other languages.
As a "discussion class", this course has a distinctly oral character. Students are expected to participate in class regularly and actively.
The student’s work/time involvement:
30 hrs. – class attendance
30 hrs. – individual work, revision of class material
If classroom instruction is impossible, the meetings will be conducted by means of distance communication tools, most probably Google Meet and those recommended by the University.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
student knows
K1_W01: the structure of language as a system, understands the scope of linguistics
K1_W02: the basic terminology in the field of linguistics
K1_W05: the specificity of contemporary linguistic paradigms and has structured general knowledge of the theory and methodology in the field of linguistics
Skills
student
K1_U02: has elementary research skills, can formulate research problems and can use linguistic research tools
K1_U04: can argue using the views of other authors and can independently formulate conclusions in oral and written form in English
K1_U06: can prepare written works in English, using basic theories in the field of linguistics
K1_U11: can independently acquire knowledge in the field of linguistics, following the instructions of the academic supervisor
K1_U12: can define priorities and plan actions to implement them, understanding the need for self-education and continuous improvement of qualifications, including practical language competences
Social competences
student is ready
K1_K02: to critically evaluate his/her own knowledge in the field of linguistics, appreciates the importance of substantive argumentation in solving research and practical problems
Assessment criteria
- class attendance checked (2 absences per semester allowed)
- active participation in class
End-of-semester grade.
1st round:
1. written test no 1 (prefixation) - 20% of final grade
2. written test no 2 (suffixation) - 20% of final grade
3. written test no 3 (compounding) - 20% of final grade
4. written test no 4 (conversion) - 20% of final grade
5. active participation in class - 20% of final grade
6. (optional, prior arrangement) oral class presentation of individual research project - possible increase in final grade
2nd round:
Written test covering the whole semester
Practical placement
Not applicable.
Bibliography
Bauer, Laurie. 2003. Introducing Linguistic Morphology (2nd revised edition). Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press.
Szymanek, Bogdan. 1999. Introduction to Morphological Analysis. Warsaw: PWN.
Twardzisz, Piotr. 2010. Patterns of English Word-formation. Warsaw: Dept. of Specialist Languages, University of Warsaw.
Twardzisz, Piotr. 2023. English Complex Words. Exercises in construction and translation. Amsterdam/ Philadelphia: John Benjamins.
Selected scholarly articles.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: