Contrastive study of Compounding in Tangkhul and English

This study aims at exploring compound word formation in Tangkhul with contrast to English. Qualitative descriptive approach is used for the study as contemporary forms of words in the two languages are analysed. Compounding accounts for one of the most productive processes of word formation in the two languages. In this study, form classes and semantic criteria are analysed. Under form classes, noun compound, verb compound and adjective compound are discussed. Endocentric and exocentric compounds are taken up under semantic criteria. Some other compound types found in the two languages like three root compounds, reduplicative, recursive, copulative, coordinate, synonym, antonym, rhyme motivated and ablaut motivated compounds are also discussed. Key Words: Tangkhul, Compounding, Word Formation, Contrastive Study