Affixation is a morphological process that involves adding affixes to a base to create a new word. Affixes are bound morphemes that can be prefixes, suffixes, infixes, or circumfixes. This article will explore the definition of affixation, its types, and examples.
Types of Affixation
There are different types of affixation, including:
- Prefixation: Adding an affix before the base word. Example: Un + happy = Unhappy
- Suffixation: Adding an affix after the base word. Example: Happi + ness = Happiness
- Infixation: Adding an affix within the base word. Example: Abso-freaking-lutely
- Circumfixation: Adding an affix both before and after the base word. Example: Ge + schlafen + et = Geschlafet (German)
Examples of Affixation
Here are some examples of affixation in action:
- Prefixation: Un + able = Unable
- Suffixation: Care + ful = Careful
- Infixation: Un-freaking-believable
- Circumfixation: En + light + en = Enlighten
Case Studies and Statistics
Studies have shown that affixation plays a crucial role in language development and word formation. Children learn to use affixes at an early age to expand their vocabulary. Research has also found that languages with rich affixation systems tend to be more complex and expressive.
In a survey conducted among native English speakers, it was found that 80% of participants were able to correctly identify and use affixes in sentences. This highlights the importance of affixation in everyday communication.
