SUBJECTS: English
YEARS: 5–6
Have you ever wondered why you can't just add a prefix such as 'in-' to the beginning of a word to make its opposite?
Professor Kate Burridge explains how a prefix is influenced by the sound of the letters that come after it. She also gives two explanations about the origins of the word 'butterfly'.
Things to think about
- 1.Is it always as easy as adding a prefix like 'in-' to the beginning of a word to make its opposite? Think of some words where this is the case. Are there any words where this isn't the case? What are they? How are they different? Have you ever wondered how the butterfly got its name? Why might 'butter' be a part of the name?
- 2.What reason does Kate give for the way the prefix 'in-' changes when we create opposites to words such as 'possible'? What sounds does she say are most likely to change when the prefix 'in-' is added? What are the two explanations that Kate gives for the origins of the name 'butterfly'?
- 3.Try saying 'inpossible' or 'inlegal'. What did you notice about the sound of the letter 'n'? How does this show what Kate means when she says that 'sounds change depending on the company they keep'? Why does Kate think that the two explanations she gives about the origins of the name 'butterfly' are likely to be correct?
- 4.Research and make a list of all the words that you can find where the prefix 'in' changes because of the letters (sounds) that follow. Start your list by including the words that Kate Burridge mentions.
Date of broadcast: 7 Mar 2008
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