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MORPHOLOGICAL MOTIVATION
Khaydarova Nigora
Scientific supervisor, Andijan state institute of foreign languages
Jomolova Oisha
Student, Department of Theory and Practice of the Russian Language,
group of 304
Andijan state institute of foreign languages
Absract: This article explores the concept of morphological motivation in the
English language, examining the criteria for motivated, non-motivated, and partially
motivated words. The study highlights the relationship between morphemic structure
and meaning, emphasizing the role of derivational and compound word formation.
Additionally, it discusses the degrees of motivation and the impact of historical
changes on word structure. Examples such as *singer*, *cranberry*, and *finger-
ring* illustrate key principles, while a comparative analysis of synchronic and
diachronic perspectives provides deeper insight into morphological motivation.
Keywords: morphological motivation, motivated words, non-motivated words,
partial motivation, morphemic structure, synchronic analysis, diachronic analysis.
Morphological motivation is a fundamental concept in linguistics that examines
the relationship between the structure of a word and its meaning. When the meaning of
a word can be directly understood from its constituent morphemes and their
arrangement, the word is considered morphologically motivated. In contrast, words
with no apparent connection between their form and meaning are classified as non-
motivated. This phenomenon plays a crucial role in understanding word formation,
semantic transparency, and language evolution.
Non-motivated words typically consist of a single morpheme, making their
meanings arbitrary and conventional. Examples include simple lexical items such as
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*sing*, *eat*, *ring*, and *doll*. These words lack internal structure that could
provide clues to their meaning, rendering them opaque to morphological analysis. On
the other hand, motivated words are usually derived or compound formations where
the combined meaning of morphemes contributes to the overall sense of the word. For
instance, *singer* derives its meaning from the verb *sing* and the agentive suffix *-
er*, clearly indicating "one who sings." Similarly, compound words like *finger-ring*
(a ring worn on a finger) and *readable* (capable of being read) exhibit a transparent
relationship between their structural components and their meanings.
The arrangement of morphemes within a word also plays a significant role in
morphological motivation. Even when words share identical morphemes, their order
can alter meaning. A notable example is the contrast between *finger-ring* and *ring-
finger*: the former refers to an object, while the latter specifies a particular finger.
Likewise, the prefix *re-* in *rewrite* implies repetition, whereas the suffix *-er* in
*writer* denotes an agent performing an action. These examples highlight how
morphemic patterns influence semantic interpretation.
Morphological motivation is not an absolute feature but exists along a
continuum. Some words are fully motivated, with each morpheme contributing clearly
to the overall meaning. For example, *endless* transparently combines *end*
(termination) and *-less* (without), resulting in the meaning "without end." However,
other words exhibit partial motivation, where only some morphemes retain identifiable
meanings. The word *cranberry* illustrates this: while *-berry* is meaningful, the
morpheme *cran-* lacks independent semantic value in contemporary English.
Historical changes further complicate morphological motivation. Over time,
words that were once fully motivated may lose their transparency due to phonetic
shifts, semantic drift, or the obsolescence of certain morphemes. Place names such as
*Essex* (originally *East-Saxon*) and *Norfolk* (from *North-Folk*) are now
perceived as unanalyzable units by most speakers, despite their etymological origins.
Conversely, newer formations like *Newtowns* remain transparent, demonstrating
how language evolution affects morphological motivation.
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The study of morphological motivation can be approached from both
synchronic and diachronic perspectives. A synchronic analysis focuses on the current
state of the language, categorizing words like *singer* as motivated and *matter* as
non-motivated. In contrast, a diachronic approach traces historical developments,
revealing how words like *Sutton* (from *South-Town*) have lost their original
motivation over time. Understanding these dynamics enriches linguistic analysis and
provides insights into the cognitive processes underlying word formation and
comprehension.
In conclusion, morphological motivation is a dynamic and multifaceted aspect
of English word formation. It underscores the interplay between structure and meaning,
while also reflecting the historical evolution of the language. By examining motivated,
non-motivated, and partially motivated words, linguists gain valuable perspectives on
lexical development, semantic transparency, and the ever-changing nature of human
communication.
REFERENCES
1. A. I. Smirnitsky. *Morphology of the English Language*. Moscow, 1956.
2. Marchand, H. *The Categories and Types of Present-Day English Word-
Formation*. 1969.
3. Bauer, L. *English Word-Formation*. Cambridge University Press, 1983.
4. Katamba, F. *Morphology*. Palgrave Macmillan, 2006.
