Derivation and its Effect on Meaning in English and Arabic: A Contrastive Study

Abstract

This paper discusses the process of derivation and how it affects word meaning. The problem with this study is that some individuals find some difficulties in interpreting some derived words. It aims at re-visiting the concept of the derivation process and its types. It also aims at showing how this process effects on meaning in both English and Arabic languages. It is hypothesized that the Arabic language is more informative than the English one in terms of derivation. It is also hypothesized that the meanings of words in Arabic are much more effected by this process than in English ones. The study adopts a qualitative method which is proposed as "a sort of systematic empirical analysis into meaning. Systematic is planned, ordered, and public" (Shank, 2002: 78). This present study can provide adequate background knowledge for those who are interested in this topic. It has been observed that the derivation process is frequently used in Arabic. Additionally, Arabic word meanings are much more effected by this process than English ones.