English Morphology Week 13: Backformation

Summary

This video discusses the concept of backformation in linguistics, where a word is created by reversing the process of word formation. Examples like 'edit' from 'editor' and 'baby seat' from 'babysitter' are explained, highlighting how these words don’t follow typical affix patterns. The video emphasizes that backformation involves words that evolve in reverse, with the derivative coming after the base form. The discussion also touches on related linguistic processes such as inflection, and concludes by encouraging viewers to explore further examples on Wikipedia.

Takeaways

• 😀 Backformation is a linguistic process where a word is created by reversing the formation of a related word.
• 😀 An example of backformation is the word 'editor,' which comes from 'edit' (not the other way around).
• 😀 Another example is 'donate' coming from 'donation,' and 'baby-sit' coming from 'babysitter.'
• 😀 The process of backformation is different from adding suffixes to create a new word, as seen in the example of 'editor' from 'edit.'
• 😀 Words like 'housekeeper' and 'goalkeeper' are derived from a more complex term, not formed by simple addition of affixes.
• 😀 Reverse formation means that a simpler word can evolve into a more complex one, such as 'edit' coming after 'editor.'
• 😀 The process of backformation is common in English, with many examples available on Wikipedia.
• 😀 It is important not to confuse backformation with other processes like adding inflectional or derivational affixes.
• 😀 The reverse formation of words doesn't necessarily follow predictable patterns, as demonstrated by 'babysitter' to 'baby-sit.'
• 😀 The goal is to understand that backformation isn't about simply attaching suffixes to a root word but involves a reversal of the formation process.

Q & A

What is the process of backformation in language?

Backformation is a process in which a word is formed by removing affixes (like prefixes or suffixes) from an existing word, often creating a new word that seems like the reverse of the original term.

Can you provide an example of backformation from the transcript?

Yes, the word 'edit' is an example of backformation from the word 'editor'. The original word 'editor' existed first, and the word 'edit' was formed later through backformation.

Is backformation the same as creating a new word by adding affixes?

No, backformation is the reverse process. It involves removing an affix from an existing word to create a new word, unlike adding affixes to form new words.

What is the relationship between the words 'translator' and 'translate' in terms of backformation?

'Translator' is a derived word formed by adding an affix to 'translate'. However, 'translate' is not formed from 'translator' through backformation. It works the opposite way, with 'translator' existing first, and then 'translate' being derived through a reverse process.

How does the word 'donit' relate to backformation?

'Donit' is a backformation from the word 'donation'. The word 'donation' existed first, and 'donit' was formed later by removing the suffix '-ion'.

What does the term 'reverse formation' mean in the context of backformation?

Reverse formation refers to the process where a word is created by removing affixes from an existing word, resulting in a new word that is seemingly the reverse of the original one.

What is the origin of the word 'babysitter' and how does it relate to backformation?

'Babysitter' came first, and the word 'baby seat' was derived through backformation. 'Baby seat' was created by removing the suffix '-sitter' from 'babysitter'.

Can you explain the word 'housekeeper' in terms of backformation?

'Housekeeper' is the original word, and terms like 'house keeper' (separated by a space) or other derived forms would be considered as products of reverse formation.

What is the significance of understanding backformation in linguistics?

Understanding backformation helps in recognizing how words evolve over time, showing how the removal of affixes can lead to new word forms that may seem backward in their creation process.

What are other examples of backformation provided in the script?

Other examples mentioned in the script include 'edit' from 'editor', 'donit' from 'donation', and 'baby seat' from 'babysitter'. These words follow the process of backformation by removing affixes.