[Lexicog] Reduplication

[Hayim Sheynin]

Reduplication has a role in many languages, but it bears different function (and it  assumes different forms). In some languages, e.g. in Turkic family  a partial  reduplication  kulak  [fist]  kulak mulak  [fists] (Kazakh)

Also in some Turkic languages it is used for word formation  kul (pocket, purse) -- kurkul (rich man,lit. a man with a large pocket)

In Semitic languages reduplication is used for 1) formation of  so called  quadrolittera  roots like  kirker  (the  cry of  crow); dal (poor) -- dildel (to impoverish)
extension of meaning tam - naive -- tumtum (stupid, idiot);
a lot of this reduplication is result of the onomatopaeic process
mila (word) milmel (murmur) note similarity to English
bilbel (to mix, to confuse) 
silsel (to sing or play music with trills or to curl hair),
qishqesh (scribble), sikhsekh (incite, stir), shiqsheq (rumble, clatter),
tiq (file) - tiqteq (type)
All the examples from Hebrew.
Similar examples can be found in Arabic, Aramaic  and  Ethiopian. 

Hayim Sheynin

Fritz Goerling <Fritz_Goerling at sil.org> wrote:                             
 
 In Jula (Côte d' Ivoire) rhythmic movements can be reduplicated:
 
 tigètigè = to cut into small pieces
 panpan = to jump up and down
 yaalayaala = to walk
 yigiyigi = to walk swaying one' s hips
 
 Fritz Goerling
 
 
     
                                       


Dr. Hayim Y. Sheynin
       
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