Language, Individual & Society, Volume 14, 2020

Abstract: Compounding is one of the main word-formation processes alongside derivation. In English, forming new words by combination of two or more words that function as a single word has been recognised since the history of the English language started after the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons in the British Isles. Based on the assumption that compounding in American English has higher productivity than in British English, the aim of our study is to compare the samples of compounds found in contemporary literary prose written in two varieties of English: British and American. The focus will be put not only on the way the compounds are written, but also on their frequency of occurrence, if necessary. An in-depth analysis of particular compounds excerpted from both examined materials will focus on comparing compound types based on the combination of patterns. Specific features will be discussed and commented on from the non-native English-speaking user perspective.