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A Comparison Of Morpho-Semantic Complexity In Compounding: Akan Vs. Jamaican Creole, Annife Lance Campbell Mr

Annife Lance Campbell Mr

The main purpose of the research reported here is to present findings to determine whether the noun + noun compounding system of Jamaican Creole is linguistically simpler or more complex than Akan. To bring clarity to the matter, first, compound words were taken from two historical dictionaries representing both languages to create morpho-semantic compound databases. Secondly, a rubric of complexity was designed based on the semiotic notions of indexicality, transparency and diagrammaticity associated with Natural Morphology. Thirdly, using these semiotic principles as evaluative devices, the compounds were designated as simple, moderately complex or complex. Following this classification system, comparisons between …