Reduplication

In linguistics, reduplication is when a part of a word is repeated. This can be the root or stem of the word, or sometimes the whole word. It might be repeated exactly or with a small change. Reduplication helps show ideas like having many of something, doing something again, or making something stronger.

The linguist Edward Sapir said reduplication often shows that something is repeated, many, or stronger. It can be used in inflections to follow grammar rules, such as making words plural. It can also be used in lexical derivation to make new words. Reduplication makes speech more vivid and expressive.

Reduplication is found in many languages, though how often it is used can differ. It has been used in very old languages, like Sumerian, where it helped create some color terms, such as babbar meaning “white” and kukku meaning “black”. This process has many names, including cloning, doubling, duplication, and repetition. It is called tautonymy when used in biological taxonomies, like the scientific name Bison bison.

Typological description

Reduplication is when languages repeat parts of words to change their meaning. They might repeat whole words or just parts of them. For example, in some languages, repeating a word can show that something is happening many times, or that there is a lot of something.

In many languages, reduplication helps to show ideas like "many" or "again." For instance, in Malay, the word for "house" is rumah, and by repeating it, rumah-rumah, it means "houses." Some languages also use reduplication to make words stronger or more expressive.

Babbling in child language acquisition

Around 25 to 50 weeks after birth, babies go through a stage called reduplicated or canonical babbling. During this time, they repeat the same or very similar sounds, like nanana or idididi. This helps babies practice using their voices and get used to the sounds of their language. Canonical babbling happens around the same time that babies start showing rhythmic movements with their hands and feet. This stage is different from earlier sounds babies make because it has more pattern and structure.

Examples

English uses reduplication in fun and expressive ways. Words like "itsy-bitsy" or "hocus-pocus" repeat parts to make a playful sound. This makes language more lively and interesting.

Sometimes, reduplication shows intensity or repetition. For example, "a big, big problem" shows how serious something is. Reduplication can also create new meanings, like "redder and redder" to show something becoming redder. These patterns add color to language and help share feelings and ideas in a special way.