Section 3. Word-building Theme 3.1. Word-structure. Affixation, the productivity of affixes. Semantics of affixes. Practical work no.5

Deducing the meaning of the derivatives from the meanings of their constituents.

Objectives: to deduce the meanings of derivatives from the meanings of their constituents.

Ex.1. Deducing the meanings of the following derivatives from the meanings of their constituents. Explain your deduction. What are the meanings of the affixes in the words under examination?

Reddish, adj.; overwrite, v.; irregular, adj.; illegal, adj.; retype, v.; old-womanish, adj.; disrespectable, adj.; inexpensive, adj.; unladylike, adj.; disorganize, v.; renew, v.; eatable, adj.; overdress, v.; disinfection, n.; snobbish, adj.; handful, n.; tallish, adj.; sandy, adj.; breakable, adj.; underfed, adj.

Ex.2. In the following examples the italicized words are formed from the same root by means of different affixes. Translate these derivatives into Russian and explain the difference in meaning,

l. a) Sallie is the most amusing person in the world — and Julia Pendleton the least so. b) Ann was wary, but amused. 2. a) He had a charming smile, almost womanish in sweetness, b) I have kept up with you through Miss Pittypat but she gave me no information that you had developed womanly sweetness. 3. a) I have been having a delightful and entertaining conversation with my old chum, Lord Wisbeach. b) Thanks for your invitation. I'd be delighted to come. 4. a) At last I decided that even this rather mannish efficient woman could do with a little help, b) He was only a boy not a man yet, but he spoke in a manly way.

Theme 3.2. Conversion. Composition. Practical work no.6

Identification of the type of word-building: of the cases of conversion and compounding.

Objectives: to identify the cases of conversion and compounding.

Ex.1. Each of the following sets contains a unit that is not a compound word. Can you identify it?

1. A.I had a mother who read to me.

Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea,

Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth,

“Black birds” stowed in the hold beneath. (Gishian)

B. Crow, a large, glossy, black bird that has a harsh cry or caw. (Barnhart)

C. In the crazy English language, the blackbird hen is brown, blackboards can be blue or green, and blackberries are green and then red before they are ripe. (Lederer. Crazy…)

D. Blackbirds are related to the orioles and include the cowbird, purple grackle, and red – winged blackbird. (Barnhart)

2. A. “You demand equality? That’s as maybe, madam, but this room is for gentlemen only I’m afraid.” (Clark. Word…)

B. Maybe you’ll have better luck next time. (Barnhart)

C. He maybe the nest mayor. (Barnhart)

D. There are lots of maybes in this glittering promise. (Barnhart)

Ex.2. Explain the semantic correlations within the following pairs of words.

Shelter — to shelter, park — to park, groom — to groom, elbow — to elbow, breakfast — to breakfast, pin — to pin, trap — to trap, fish — to fish, head — to head, nurse — to nurse.

Ex.3. Which of the two words in the following pairs is made by conversion? Deduce the meanings.

Star, n. — to star, v.

picture, n. — to picture, v.

colour, n. — to colour, v.

blush, n. — to blush, v.

key, n. — to key, v.

fool, n. — to fool, v.

breakfast, n. — to breakfast, v.

house, n. — to house, v.

monkey, n. — to monkey, u.

fork, n. — to fork, v.

slice, n. — to slice, v.