A Contrastive Investigation of English and Persian Compounds: Implication for EFL Instruction

Abstract

The present article aims to give a descriptive-analytical account of English and Persian nominal and adjectival compounds. Compounding is a productive process of word formation which is frequently used to add to the lexical repertoire of all languages. This article will attempt to come up with an inclusive typology which can account for both Persian and English compounds. Then some issues pertaining to the orthography, stress pattern, meaning and headedness in compounds will be discussed. There appears to be relationship between the orthography and stress pattern of English compounds. Subsequently, some implications for EFL instruction in terms of the interactive effects of Persian and English compounds will be discussed.
Key words: Nominal and adjectival compounds; Word formation; Headedness