Reduplication as a Rich Word Formation Process in Runyambo

Abstract

This study investigated reduplication in Runyambo. Reduplication has been studied in both the Bantu and non-Bantu languages. Studies have shown that reduplication is a rich word-formation process that affects word categories differently in different languages. This inspired me to conduct a similar research in Runyambo. This study employs the autosegmental phonology theory with the principle of CV templates and reduplication, as suggested by Marantz (1982). Secondary data were collected from the Runyambo-Kiswahili-English dictionary by Rugemalira (2002), while primary data were collected from two native speakers of the language. The informants provided consent before the data collection process began. Runyambo was found to have a rich process of reduplication, both total and partial. Patterns of partial reduplication were observed, including CVC-a, CV, and CVCV.  Also, copying parts of roots without affixes seems productive, as coping roots with affixes are found in C-verbal roots and CV adjectives and adverbs. The CV ideophones and enclitis were copied in triplicate, forming CVCVCV reduplicants. Both meaningful and meaningless roots combine to form reduplicants in Runyambo. Generally, reduplication affects nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, enclitics, and ideophones in Runyambo. Studies should be conducted in different languages because these features are unique to each language.