Laughter interjections in Xhosa
Laughter interjections in Xhosa
Author(s): Alexander AndrasonSubject(s): Language studies, Language and Literature Studies, Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Phonetics / Phonology, Morphology, Lexis, Pragmatics, Cognitive linguistics
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: typology;Bantu;Xhosa;interjections;laughter;
Summary/Abstract: The present paper analyzes the system of laughter-based interjections (L-INTJs) in Xhosa. By drawing on corpus and fieldwork evidence, the author concludes the following: the systems of L-INTJs consists of five types of constructions built around the segments ha, he, ho, hi, and yha, the satellites te and ti, as well as a number of replicative templates. The pattern hVhVhV with a short vowel is the most productive. Other replicative patterns, patterns involving (extra‑)long vowels, and the pattern tVhV are less productive. Overall, L-INTJs are the canonical members of the interjective category. The presence and range of uses of L-INTJs result from the interjectionalization of laughter-based onomatopoeias or the onomatopoeization of non-laughter-related interjections.
Journal: Studies in African Languages and Cultures
- Issue Year: 2021
- Issue No: 55
- Page Range: 31-71
- Page Count: 41
- Language: English