AN INTRODUCTION TO MODERN ENGLISH WORD-FORMATION

• Main Author: Adams, Valerie (Author)
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: London Longman 1976
• Series: English language Series
• Subjects: English language > Word formation
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 An Introduction to Modern English Word-Formation was welcomed on its first appearance in 1973 for its realistic and competent approach to the complexities of word-formation. The book remains to this day a useful and stimulating introduction for students beginning to explore this important discipline of linguistics. Since we all make sentences, the ways in which new words are formed, and the factors which govern their acceptance into the language, are generally taken for granted by the average speaker. Valerie Adams argues that rather than devising rules to account for those compounds and affixed words which exist, and for those which might exist, our main concern should be with meanings and how they are expressed and combined. Each chapter is therefore firmly grounded in data and the classification of data, gathered chiefly from newspaper and magazine cuttings, which help to make the book a rich mine of information. The pertinent selection of examples, the fresh if sometimes unconventional approach to old problems and its lively style will continue to appeal to those starting to find their way into the complex structures of present-day English. Valerie Adams is a lecturer in English language and literature at University College, London.