Word-Building Methods of English Terms in Science Fiction Literature and Cinema: An Attempt of Classification

Abstract

This paper deals with methods of creating terms in English science fiction using literature and cinema as the source. The units under study are classified according to their functional activity and lexical-semantic groups. The most active method applied in this research is statistical sampling which allows classifying grammemes according to the word-formation method used. The semantic method enabled the study of units through their explicit meaning and their representation in the context. Stylistic analysis has opened up prospects for studying word-play and secondary nomination processes. Among morphological methods of word formation, the prefix and suffix methods have the highest functional activity nominating humans (human-like beings or mechanisms) or machines in the futuristic reality. Compounding is a powerful way of coining grammemes which name equipment or machines used for exploration of distant worlds. Abbreviation is represented by a wide range of subtypes, one of which, namely acronyms, is actively integrated in the modern English language. Non-morphological means of word formation are generally represented by the lexical-semantic method as a means of reinterpretation of already existing lexemes by extending their primary semantics or using word-play. Other subgroups of non-morphological methods of word building are represented by sporadic examples.