THE DERIVATION ANALYSIS IN KAKAO WEBTOON THE LEGENDARY MOONLIGHT SCULPTOR

This research investigates derivational morphology principles in the Kakao Webtoon "The
Legendary Moonlight Sculptor," aiming to identify types of derivational processes used and their
significance in language development. Through analysis of word formation rules and patterns,
the study reveals insights into language intricacies and cognitive processes. The research
objectives center on uncovering derivational processes within the webtoon while acknowledging
limitations that focus solely on derivation. Data is drawn from the first 17 episodes, primarily the
main character's dialogues. The findings underscore a predominant use of suffixes (97%) for
word formation, with prefixes accounting for 3% and infixes absent. The research's implications
encompass linguistic knowledge enrichment and creative language usage insights within
webtoons, expanding understanding of narrative language functions in popular culture.
Suggested further research areas include comparative analysis, exploring additional word
formation processes, studying authorial styles, reader reception, sociolinguistic dimensions,
computational linguistics, diachronic analysis, and multimodal exploration. This study
contributes to morphology insights while prompting broader explorations of word formation's
role in popular culture's linguistic and narrative realms.
Keywords: Kakao Webtoon The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor; word formation; Derivation.