On the Scalar Nature of Arabic Diminutives

Abstract

This paper investigates the semantics of the Arabic diminutive (DIM) created with the use of the fuʿayl template. DIM may contribute a wide range of sub-meanings, including smallness in size, low quantity, low quality, spatial and temporal proximity, etc. We put forward a scalar analysis according to which DIM systematically maps an argument of the stem to a relatively low degree on a scale. In particular, this degree is lower than the standard of comparison, independently supplied either by the context or by the linguistic environment. The scale in question, we argue, is not lexicalized by DIM but rather contributed by the stem to which DIM applies. The contrast between the various sub-meanings of DIM is thus reduced mainly to the differences between the environments in which it appears.

Insights into the Semantics of Reduplication in English and Arabic

“…Arabs had authored some books on reduplication in Arabic; for instance, Ibn Faris in his book, Al-Itba'a and Al-Muzawajah ‫والمزاوجة‬ ‫,اإلتباع‬ arranged alphabetically. Al-Suyuti (1506) wrote a summarized and shorter version of Ibn Fasis' book and gave it the title of Al-Elma'a Fi Al-Itba'a ‫اإلتباع‬ ‫في‬ ‫.االلماع‬ Kagan and Qtit (2016) investigated the Arabic diminutive, which can be constructed using the 'fu'ayl' template, such as low quantity and quality, proximity, and smallness in size. Similarly, Mohammad (2012) argued that significance ascribed to reduplication in spoken or written language has remained an unexplored area.…”