Lexical blocking

Definition

Lexical blocking is a linguistic phenomenon where the existence of an already established word prevents the formation or acceptance of a new word that could be created using similar morphological rules. This concept highlights how language evolves and constrains itself based on the words that are already in use, affecting the productivity of word formation processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lexical blocking occurs when the presence of an established term makes it unlikely for a new variant to gain acceptance, like 'hamburger' blocking 'hamber' from being widely used.
2. It demonstrates the tension between creativity and convention in language, as speakers may be inclined to innovate but are often constrained by existing vocabulary.
3. This phenomenon is especially relevant in English due to its rich lexicon and the influence of borrowings from other languages.
4. Lexical blocking can also be observed in slang or technical jargon, where specific terms dominate and limit alternative expressions.
5. The implications of lexical blocking extend to language learning and teaching, as learners might struggle with creating new forms that are not accepted in everyday language.

Review Questions

• How does lexical blocking influence the formation of new words in a language?
  • Lexical blocking influences the formation of new words by creating a barrier where existing words prevent similar new forms from being adopted. For instance, if a widely recognized term exists, speakers may avoid coining a new term that closely resembles it, leading to reduced innovation. This interplay illustrates how language users prioritize established vocabulary over potentially novel creations, thus impacting linguistic evolution.
• Discuss how morphological productivity relates to lexical blocking and its effects on language development.
  • Morphological productivity refers to how easily new words can be formed using existing morphemes. Lexical blocking serves as a constraint on this productivity by limiting which forms can be accepted in the language. When a productive morphological pattern exists but is hindered by an established word, it restricts the potential for innovation and diversification within the lexicon, demonstrating that not all theoretically possible formations will become part of everyday usage.
• Evaluate the impact of lexical blocking on neologisms within modern languages and its broader implications for linguistic change.
  • Lexical blocking significantly impacts neologisms by shaping which new terms gain traction based on existing vocabulary. As certain innovative terms struggle to emerge due to the dominance of well-established words, this can lead to stagnation in linguistic evolution. Furthermore, this dynamic contributes to broader patterns of language change, where specific vocabulary becomes entrenched, affecting communication trends and cultural expressions within society.

Related terms

Morphological productivity: The ability of certain morphemes to create new words or forms, indicating how flexible and generative a particular morphological process is within a language.

Word formation: The process of creating new words in a language, which can occur through various methods such as compounding, affixation, and blending.

Neologism: A newly coined word or expression that may emerge in a language but can be influenced by lexical blocking if similar words already exist.