SECTION 2 – Words and word-formation processes

Words and word-formation processes play a crucial role in language acquisition and language learning. In linguistics, the process of word formation is known as morphology. It involves the study of how words are formed and how the meaning of words changes as a result of the addition of prefixes and suffixes, the process of compounding, blending, clipping, and conversion, among other things.
Learning about word formation processes is important for language teachers because it helps them understand how words are constructed and how the meaning of words can be altered by changing their form. This knowledge can be used to help students develop their vocabulary and improve their understanding of the language.
Teaching word-formation also enables students to recognize and understand words they have never encountered before by breaking them down into their constituent parts. It is particularly helpful for teaching vocabulary in a systematic way, as it provides a way to organize and classify words based on their morphology.
In addition, an understanding of word formation can help students develop their writing skills by enabling them to create new words and use them effectively. For example, by understanding how words are constructed, students can create new words that accurately convey their intended meaning, rather than using awkward or incorrect constructions.
Overall, knowledge of word formation processes is an important tool for language teachers to help students develop their vocabulary, improve their reading and writing skills, and deepen their understanding of the language.