What is reduplication in word formation?

Phonetics And Word Formation Questions Medium



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What is reduplication in word formation?

Reduplication in word formation refers to the process of repeating a part or the whole of a word to create a new word or form. It is a common linguistic phenomenon found in various languages around the world. Reduplication can occur at different levels, including the repetition of a single syllable, a morpheme, or an entire word.

In terms of phonetics, reduplication often involves the duplication of a specific sound or sequence of sounds within a word. For example, in English, we have words like "bye-bye," "night-night," or "tick-tock," where the initial syllable or a specific sound is repeated to create a new word or form.

Reduplication serves various functions in language. It can be used to indicate plurality, intensify meaning, express repetition or continuity, or create new words with different semantic or grammatical functions. Reduplication can also be used for onomatopoeic purposes, imitating sounds or actions.

Overall, reduplication is a significant aspect of word formation, allowing languages to expand their vocabulary and convey nuanced meanings through the repetition and modification of existing words or forms.