Abstract

In this fast-changing world, almost all living languages are in a state of continuous change. The most active and apparent changes of English can be seen in its language, accompanying which is the birth of a large number of new words, for they enjoy the highest frequency of appearance and the widest popularity among modern people and their life. Much has been discussed about the origin and forming of such a cultural trend. Influence from different aspects such as different cultures, economies and politics have combined to give birth to English neologisms, which in turn reflect the further expansion of its word library system and meet the demand of social development. Many linguists have paid their efforts to study English neologisms from different perspectives, among which the eco-linguistics offer us a brand new perspectives. By analyzing the ecological elements of language, eco-linguists reveal the process of emergence, development and extinction of a language. Language depends on its surroundings to remain vigorous while the surroundings help the springing of new words. The thesis will elaborate on the production of English neologisms from the perspective of Eco-environment and probe into the interaction between these two pivot elements.

Keywords: english neologisms; eco-environment; eco-linguistics; interaction; influence and development

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction-1

2.Recent development in Lexicology-2

3.Definition of Neologism-2

4.Sources of English Neologisms -3

4.1 The rapid development of science and technology-3

4.2 The changes in politics and economy-5

4.3 The diversification of social life-5

5. Interpretation of Neologisms from the View of Eco-linguistics-7

6. The Natural Selection and the Interaction between Neologisms and Eco-environment-8

6.1 The redefinition of some familiar words-9

6.2 The amplification of meanings-9

6.3 The generalization of professional terms-9

7. Conclusion-10

8. Works Cited-12