Introduction to morphology
SUBJECT OF MORPHOLOGY:
Grammar has 2 areas:
morphology
§ structure of individual words in the linguistic utterances
syntax
§ the way how words are combined into sentences
§ Words don’t occur in isolation; they are part of the system
APPROACH TO GRAMMAR:
Synchronic
looks at the way language operates in particular point of time x occasionally diachronic
Descriptive
we describe how the language is used by native speaker (x prescriptive – school grammar)
Structural
establishes language as a system of interwoven structures
Functional
establishes what kind of function is reflected in given text
§ semantic function (agent)
§ syntactic function (subject)
§ textual function
LINGUISTIC UNITS:
§ Arranged from the smallest unit to the biggest
Phonemes
individual meaningful sounds, which are able to distinguish words
Morphemes
combinations of sounds carrying meaning, syllables or complete words divisible only into phonemes
un / pleas / ant work / s
Lexemes
units referring to one item of reality
may consist of more words
unpleasant = 1 lexeme
Groups / phrases
referring to one item of reality, units composing ® closal elements (větné členy)
My friend John / works very hard.
Clauses / sentences
unit of syntax
Texts
the highest linguistic unit
John has been working very hard. ® He…
§ in morphology mainly morphemes and lexemes; possible also phrases
