Abstract

This study explores the morphological structure of compound words in Lamnsó, a language spoken by the Nso people in the North West Region of Cameroon, and compares it with English compound words. Lamnsó and English belong to different linguistic families; Lamnsó is a Bantu language, while English is a Germanic language. Despite these differences, both languages form compound words, which are a fundamental part of their lexicon. This research investigates the similarities and differences in the formation, structure, and meaning of compound words in both languages.

In English, compound words are typically formed by combining two or more free morphemes (words) that function as a single unit. These compounds can be classified into three types: endocentric compounds (where one element defines the meaning, e.g., “toothbrush”), exocentric compounds (where the meaning is not directly linked to the individual words, e.g., “pickpocket”), and copulative compounds (where both elements are equally significant, e.g., “bittersweet”). The study analyzes these types and examines how compounding works in English, focusing on the internal structure and meaning relations.

In Lamnsó, compounding is also a productive process, but the language uses unique strategies to combine words. Lamnsó compound words often derive from combining nouns with verbs, nouns with adjectives, or other nouns, creating new meanings that are context-dependent. For example, the Lamnsó compound word kimbo ntam (village-chief) refers to a village head, where the first element refers to the noun “village” and the second to “chief.”

The study reveals that in Lamnsó, the head of the compound typically appears after the modifier, similar to English, especially in noun-noun compounds. However, one significant difference between the two languages is the use of tone in Lamnsó to mark compounding. In Lamnsó, tonal variations can alter the meaning of compounds, a feature absent in English. For instance, a slight change in tone may shift the meaning of a compound word from a literal interpretation to a metaphorical or idiomatic one.

Additionally, the analysis shows that Lamnsó compounds are often more contextually bound and carry a deeper cultural significance. Many Lamnsó compound words relate to kinship, traditional authority, and agriculture, reflecting the socio-cultural environment of the Nso people. In contrast, English compound words are more generalized and cover a wider range of semantic fields, including technology, science, and abstract concepts.

The research concludes that while both languages employ compounding as a word formation process, the morphological rules governing the creation of compound words differ significantly. English compounds tend to follow predictable patterns based on word order and semantic transparency, whereas Lamnsó compounds exhibit more flexibility, incorporating tonal variations and cultural context into their structure.

Keywords: Lamnsó, English, compound words, morphology, tonal variations, noun-noun compounds, endocentric compounds, exocentric compounds, copulative compounds, cultural context.