Word Structure [Morphology]

INTRODUCTION

Grammar generally discusses two things:

(i) Structure of sentences, which is called syntax. 

&

(ii) Structure of words, which is called morphology.

Our today’s topic is the structure of words.

WORD STRUCTURE (MORPHOLOGY)

Words are the basic unit of grammar. Words have internal structure. The structure of words indicates two things: 

(i) Grammatical Identity: Words indicate grammar. For example:

(a) The word ‘dogs’ indicates that it is plural number.
(b) The word ‘came’ indicates that it is past tense. 

(ii) Lexical Identity: Words have meaning or lexical identity. For example:

(a) The word ‘dogs’ means that it is the name of an animal.
(b) The word ‘came’ means 'to move to a person or place'.

What is morpheme? 

Many words are composed of several smallest units. These smallest units of meaning (words) are called morpheme. Morphemes are divided into Prefix, Suffix and Stem or Base word. 

Some words consist of just one morpheme; some consist of several. Read the following examples:

Examples of words and their morphemes

ELEMENTS OF WORDS

In the above table, you have seen that a word can have one element (one morpheme) or several elements (morphemes). The most common elements (morphemes) of words are: 

(i) Prefix: Some morphemes are added to the beginning of words. They are called prefix.  

(ii) Suffix: Some morphemes are added to the end of words. They are called suffix.

(iii) Affix: Prefix and suffix are called affix. Affix=Prefix and/or Suffix.

(iv) Inflectional Morphemes: Some affixes (prefix & suffix) indicate grammar. They do not change the meaning of words.  They are called inflections or inflectional morphemes. 

(v) Derivational Morphemes: Derivation is the process of forming new words from existing words by adding affixes. Derivational morphemes change the meaning of words. 

Difference between Inflection & Derivation:

Inflection only change the grammatical category of words. Derivation changes the meaning. 

(vi) Allomorphs: Some morphemes are different in form but same in meaning. They are called Allomorphs. 

(vii) Compounds: If two or more words combine with each other and form new words, we call them compounds. 

WORD FORMATION

Prefixation means adding prefix to a base or stem. 

Examples:

(ii) Suffixation

Suffixation means adding suffix to a base or stem. 

(iii) Conversion

Conversion means the change of words from one class to another without adding affix. 

(iv) Compounding

Sometimes two or more base words join to form new words. This is called compounding.