THE FORMATION OF OCCASIONAL LEXICAL UNITS
Abstract
The study of occasional lexical units explores the dynamic nature of word formation in language, emphasizing the role of linguistic creativity in generating new lexical items. Occasionalisms, also known as nonce words, are unique lexical formations created by speakers or writers for specific communicative needs. These units often arise spontaneously and may or may not become part of the standard lexicon. Linguistic research identifies various structural and semantic mechanisms underlying the formation of occasional lexical units. These include compounding, affixation, blending, abbreviation, and analogy-based formations. Additionally, occasionalisms frequently emerge in literary works, where authors manipulate language to enhance stylistic expression, convey novel concepts, or create neologisms for artistic effect.
References
1. Bauer, L. (2001). «Morphological Productivity». Cambridge University Press.
2. Clark, E. V. (1993). «The Lexicon in Acquisition». Cambridge University Press.
3. Crystal, D. (2003). «The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language». Cambridge University Press.
4. Langacker, R. W. (1987). «Foundations of Cognitive Grammar». Stanford University Press.
5. Lyons, J. (1977). «Semantics». Cambridge University Press.
6. Yule, G. (1996). «The Study of Language». Cambridge University Press
