Word-formation in Slavic languages

Abstract

AbstractCross-linguistic research in the field of word-formation (WF) is more or less an untilled area. The main goal of this paper is to compare WF systems in Slavic languages, to analyse and evaluate their nature by comparing WF processes and types in Slavic languages as a whole as well as in individual languages of the Slavic genus. The basis for the comparison is the parameter of saturation value which indicates the structural richness of WF systems in terms of synchronically productive processes. This parameter facilitates cross-linguistic comparison at different levels of generalization, in particular: (i) intra-language level – comparison of the relative contribution of individual WF processes within one language; (ii) inter-language level (a) – comparison of the role of selected WF processes in various languages; inter-language level (b) – comparison of WF systems of various languages; (iii) supra-language level – comparison of WF in various language genera; language families and/or areas (Sprachbunds). The most typical features of compounding, affixation and conversion in Slavic languages are highlighted and illustrated with examples. The method applied to the analysis of word-formation processes is the semasiological method. The results, summarized in tables, make it possible to identify prototypical features of word-formation in Slavic languages.