English Morphology Week 11: Conversion, Zero Affixation, Zero Derivation

Summary

This transcript discusses the concept of morphological conversion, specifically focusing on the process of converting words between different parts of speech without adding new affixes. Examples include converting nouns to verbs, such as 'email' from a noun to a verb ('to email'). It highlights the productivity of such conversions in English, such as the transformation of brand names like 'Google' or 'Instagram' into verbs. The explanation covers terms like 'zero affixation' and 'conversion', showcasing their role in language evolution and understanding morphological structures. The content also provides exercises and diagrams to reinforce the concepts discussed.

Takeaways

• 😀 Conversion in morphology refers to changing one word class to another without adding affixes.
• 😀 The most productive conversion process in English is the transformation of nouns into verbs (e.g., 'email', 'Google').
• 😀 Zero derivation, also called zero affixation, occurs when a word class is changed without any additional affixes being added.
• 😀 Words can be converted from one class to another, such as from noun to verb or adjective to noun, without modifying the base word.
• 😀 Examples like 'email' and 'Google' show how a noun can be converted into a verb without altering the word form.
• 😀 In the case of words like 'call' and 'work', conversion can change their role in a sentence, from a noun to a verb or vice versa.
• 😀 Conversion is different from other derivational processes like suffixation, where affixes are added to change word class.
• 😀 Even closed-class words (like prepositions or interjections) can be converted into open-class words, enabling them to take affixes.
• 😀 Examples like 'call' and 'work' demonstrate how conversion works by changing the grammatical function of a word while keeping its form.
• 😀 The process of converting a preposition into a noun (e.g., 'up' into 'a rise') and converting adjectives into nouns (e.g., 'green' to 'greenness') is also part of morphological conversion.
• 😀 Understanding morphological conversion involves recognizing how words can transform and take on new grammatical roles without adding new elements.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the script?

The main topic of the script is morphological processes, particularly focusing on the concept of 'conversion' in linguistics, where words are changed from one part of speech to another without adding affixes.

What does 'conversion' in linguistics refer to, as mentioned in the transcript?

In linguistics, 'conversion' refers to the process of changing a word from one part of speech to another, such as turning a noun into a verb, without adding any affixes or new material. This process is also called 'zero derivation'.

What are some examples of conversion discussed in the transcript?

Examples discussed in the transcript include the conversion of 'email' from a noun to a verb (e.g., 'Please email me your address') and 'Google' from a proper noun to a verb (e.g., 'I googled the information').

What is meant by 'zero derivation' in the context of conversion?

'Zero derivation' refers to the process of converting a word from one part of speech to another without adding any affixes. For example, turning a noun into a verb without modifying the original word.

How does the script explain the concept of 'morphological cooperation'?

The script suggests that 'morphological cooperation' involves the interaction of different linguistic elements, such as converting a noun into a verb through conversion, without changing the underlying structure of the word.

What role do affixes play in conversion according to the transcript?

In conversion, affixes are not added to the word. The process simply involves changing the part of speech, which is why it is referred to as 'zero derivation' or 'zero affixation'.

What does the transcript say about the productivity of conversion in English?

The transcript highlights that conversion is one of the most productive morphological processes in English, meaning that it is commonly used to form new words, particularly from nouns to verbs.

What is an example of an adjective being converted to a noun in the script?

The script mentions an example where the adjective 'yellow' is converted into a noun, such as in the phrase 'yellow rice', where 'yellow' describes the noun 'rice'.

Can prepositions also undergo conversion? What is an example provided?

Yes, prepositions can undergo conversion. An example provided in the transcript is 'up' being converted into a noun, as in 'up is used as a noun in certain contexts, like 'the absen daun'.

How does the script explain the concept of 'open class' and 'close class' words in the context of conversion?

In the script, 'open class' words are those that can easily accept new words, such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives. 'Close class' words, like prepositions and conjunctions, typically do not accept new words, but through conversion, they can shift to an open class, allowing them to take on new forms and meanings.