ETYMOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS AND WORD-FORMATION STRATEGIES IN J.K. ROWLING’S LITERARY DISCOURSE

Abstract

. The present study presents the results of investigation of the etymology and word-formation mechanisms of neologisms in the fantasy works of J. K. Rowling, with a particular focus on the Harry Potter series. In contemporary linguistics, authorial neologisms are increasingly recognised as a significant component of literary discourse, especially in fantasy literature, where lexical innovation is essential for constructing fictional worlds. Despite the popularity of Rowling’s works and the existence of relevant studies, the etymological sources, structural patterns, and semantic motivation of her invented lexicon remain insufficiently systematised. The aim of this study is to analyse the meaning of fictional words and classify Rowling’s neologisms, identify their etymological origins, and anal yse the word-formation strategies underlying their creation. The research employs methods of critical literature review, etymological analysis, and lexical classification, drawing on dictionaries, scholarly sources, and textual data from the original novels. The findings demonstrate that Rowling’s neologisms can be grouped into three major categories, including Latin-based formations, compounds, and blends (portmanteaus). A significant proportion of lexical items, in particular spell, are derived from Latin roots, contributing to semantic transparency and stylistic authenticity. Other neologisms rely on compounding and blending