LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 12 : 10 October 2012
ISSN 1930-2940

Managing Editor: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.
Editors: B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. A. Sharada, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         Lakhan Gusain, Ph.D.
         Jennifer Marie Bayer, Ph.D.
         S. M. Ravichandran, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         L. Ramamoorthy, Ph.D.
Assistant Managing Editor: Swarna Thirumalai, M.A.

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M. S. Thirumalai
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Etymological Analysis of the English Language Words

Muhammad Javed, M.Phil.
Wu Xiao Juan
Saima Nazli

Abstract

This paper is the brief description of borrowed words and etymology of the English language words based on documentary analysis. Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics (2010) defined etymology as the study of the origin of words, historical perspectives, and modification in the meanings of these words. The theory regarding etymological analysis of the words helps to recognize that mostly the words originate through a limited number of fundamental parameters, the most important element is borrowing the words from other languages, formation of words such as derivation and compounding; and onomatopoeia and sound symbolism. Sometimes the semantic change also occurs. In regards to the etymological analysis, the English language vocabulary consists of two types of strata such as the native reservoirs and a pool of borrowed words. The number of borrowed words from different languages and sources is greater than the collection of native words. Etymology of English language words is beneficial for ESL students. It helps to enhance their vocabulary and knowledge.

Introduction

Etymology can be defined as the systematic study of the birth, historical perspective, and time-to-time changes in the forms and implications of words (Ross, 1962). The study of the etymology of the English language words is an interesting and useful area. According to Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics (2010), the majority of the English language words have been derived from other primitive languages such as Latin and Greek. Moreover, the roots of the English language can be found in Greek and Latin languages. Most of the English language words are formed by adding prefixes of suffixed. Furthermore the continuous changes occurred in this language since its inception. Sometimes, while analyzing the origin of the English language words, one can easily perceive the philological aspect of the language and even can guess the actual meanings of the words (Pierson, 1989).

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Muhammad Javed, M.Phil.
Doctoral Candidate (TESOL)
School of Educational Studies
Universiti Sains Malaysia
11800 USM Pulau Pinang
Malaysia

Lecturer, Department of Educational Training, Bahawalnagar Campus
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
Pakistan
muhammad.javed@iub.edu.pk, mjaved_iub@yahoo.com

Wu Xiao Juan
Doctoral Candidate (TESOL)
School of Educational Studies
Universiti Sains Malaysia
11800 USM Pulau Pinang
xiaojuanwu2005@yahoo.com.cn

Saima Nazli
Vice Principal
Misali Oxford Cadet High School Vehari
Pakistan
saima_nazli2004@yahoo.com
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