A comparative study of lexical innovation in English and German

Languages use word formation and borrowing to enhance their lexicon and to adapt it to a changing world. Over time, the way in which these means are used by individual languages to add to their lexicon might change: To what extent does a language rely on word formation or borrowing? Which languages does it borrow from? Which word formation patterns are predominantly used?

This project is based on the premise that the observation of trends specific to individual languages can be enhanced with a comparative perspective. The project is designed to use existing lexicographical documentation of recent new words that were added to both the German and English lexicons and to compare the means used by each language for adding new words to investigate how both languages differ in the extent to which they borrow, and in the word formation patterns they use predominantly.

The project would come under the remit of our ‘Comparative and Intercultural Studies’ PhD programme based in the School of Literature and Languages. The School comprises the Department of Languages and Cultures, the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics as well as English Literature. The School provides a vibrant environment for Postgraduate research in linguistics, translation and cultural studies.