Back-formation is a linguistics phenomenon in which a new word is created by removing part of an existing word. This process is used to create new words from existing words, and is an important part of how language changes over time. In this article, we will discuss the definition of back-formation, how it is used in English and other languages, and the implications of this process.
Back-formation is defined as the process of creating new words by removing affixes, or parts of existing words. This process is used to create new words, usually nouns, from existing words, often verbs. For example, the verb ‘edit’ can be back-formed to create the noun ‘editor’. Similarly, the verb ‘formulate’ can be back-formed to create the noun ‘formulation’. Back-formation is also used to create verbs from existing nouns, such as the verb ‘televise’ which was back-formed from the noun ‘television’.
Back-formation is a common and important process in the English language, but it is also used in other languages. For example, in French, the noun ‘invention’ can be back-formed to create the verb ‘inventer’. Similarly, in German, the verb ‘ersetzen’ can be back-formed to create the noun ‘Ersatz’.
The implications of back-formation are particularly important in language teaching and learning. Back-formation can help language learners to understand the meanings of words more quickly and accurately, as it helps to recognize the relationships between words and their parts. It can also help to create more efficient and effective communication, as it allows speakers to create new words quickly and easily.
In conclusion, back-formation is an important process in language change, allowing speakers to create new words and improve communication. It is used in English and other languages, and its implications are important for language teaching and learning.
References
Bauer, L. (1983). English word-formation. Cambridge University Press.
Ferguson, C. A., & Gumperz, J. J. (1960). Linguistic differences produced by differences in social environment. In T. A. Sebeok (Ed.), Style in language (pp. 35–53). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Plag, I. (2006). Word formation in English. Cambridge University Press.