Formation of the English-language neologisms as a result of lexical and semantic nominations

Abstract

This article is dedicated to the formation of English-language neologisms as a result of lexical and semantic nomination. The object of this research is the changes in the lexical system of modern English language based on the analysis of media and online publications. The subject of this research is the methods of formation of neologisms in the late XX and early XXI centuries. The author determines the most common methods of the formation neologisms in digital periodicals, online news websites, forums and blogs. Analysis is conducted on such methods of word formation as affixation, conversion, formation of complex words, shortening and hybridization, abbreviation, etc. It is noted that the majority of neologisms result from lexical nomination. The goal of this article lies in analysis of the formation of neologisms used in the English lexicon for a long period of time, and thus have acquired a certain official standing. Such lexical innovations have been included or are in the process of being included into the official English language. An attempt is made to reveal the key features of methods of formation of neologisms, which are of primary importance for the communicative and social activity in their broadest sense. Majority of neologisms in the language, which is over 70%, result from the lexical methods of word formation; while the share of neologisms formed via semantic derivation is only a few percent of the total number of lexical innovations.