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There are certain structural features which enable us to
identify some words as borrowings and even to determine the
source language. You can recognize such words by certain
suffixes, prefixes or endings.
The lexical meaning of the word is also crucial (e.g. the
concept denoted by the word ricksha(w), pagoda (Chin.) make us
sure that we deal with borrowings). Sometimes the form of the
word together with its meaning in Modern English enables us to
tell the source of borrowing (e.g. the diagraph ch as [∫] – a late
French borrowing (in machine, echelon); as [k] – through Greek
(archaic, architect); as [t∫] – either an early borrowing (chase,
OFr., cherry, L.) or a word of Anglo-Saxon origin (child, choose)

3. Assimilation of borrowings
The term assimilation of a loan word is used to denote a
partial or total conformation to the phonetical, grammatical and
morphological standards of the receiving language and its
semantic system. The assimilation degree depends on the length of
the period during which the word has been used in the receiving
language, upon its importance for communication purposes and its
frequency.
Grammatical adaptation, for instance, consists in a
complete change of the former paradigm of the borrowed word (i.
e. system of the grammatical forms peculiar to it as a part of
speech). If it is a noun, it is certain to adopt, sooner or later, a new
system of declension; if it is a verb, it will be conjugated according
to the rules of the recipient language. Yet, this is also a lasting
process.
By semantic adaptation is meant adjustment to the system
of meanings of the vocabulary. It has been mentioned that
borrowing is generally caused either by the necessity to fill a gap
in the vocabulary or by a chance to add a synonym conveying an
old concept in a new way. Yet, the process of borrowing is not
always so logical and efficient as it might seem at first sight.

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