Le diminutif/augmentatif à travers la flexion nominale en kirundi (bantou, JD62)
The diminutive/augmentative through noun inflection in Kirundi (Bantu, JD62)
Author(s): Epimaque Nshimirimana, Pascal Tuyubahe, Manoah Joel MisagoSubject(s): Language studies, Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Language acquisition
Published by: Universitatea »Babes Bolyai« Cluj - Facultatea de St. Economice si Gestiunea Afacerilor
Keywords: Kirundi; space representation; noun inflection; diminutive; augmentative;
Summary/Abstract: The objective of this study is to systematically describe the diminutive/augmentative mechanism through noun inflection in Kirundi. By applying the cognitive theory of space representation to the size of the static and bounded object (without considering its geometric shape), three results were obtained. First, the diminutive/augmentative is expressed by means of the secondary noun classification with derivational purpose. Then, the marks of secondary classes in the singular (-ki-, -ka-, -ru-) represent a mode of occupation of the continuous space while those of the plural (-bi-, -tu-, -bu-) serve as support for a mode of occupation of discontinuous space. Finally, taking the primary noun class as a mark of the normal reference size, the diminutive/augmentative mechanism distinguishes two degrees from the normal size of the object considered.
Journal: Lingua. Language and Culture
- Issue Year: XXI/2022
- Issue No: 2
- Page Range: 53-69
- Page Count: 17
- Language: French