Abstract

The paper compares the word-list of the Basic Vocabulary of the Italian language with that of the New Basic Vocabulary in order to assess whether the word replacement in the new edition has resulted in significant changes in the proportion of morphologically complex words, of word formation processes and in the elements involved. The results show a substantial homogeneity between the two word-lists as regards the proportion of morphologically complex words, but also some differences. The differences concern the decrease in prefixed verbs, the increase in suffixed words (especially in adjectives and adverbs), the increase in neoclassical compounds and the appearance of clippings.