4 Types of Reduplication in English Morphology

 

4 Types of Reduplication in English Morphology: Rhyming reduplication, Exact reduplication , Ablaut Reduplication & partial reduplication.

Rhyming reduplication is a linguistic phenomenon in English morphology where a word or phrase is created by repeating a portion of it with a slight alteration, specifically by adding a rhyming element. This alteration usually involves changing the initial consonant or consonant cluster of the repeated portion while keeping the rhyming vowel intact. The resulting construction is often used for emphasis, to create a playful or catchy effect, or to evoke a particular rhythm or sound pattern.
The examples you provided, such as "hokey-pokey," "razzle-dazzle," "super-duper," "boogie-woogie," "teenie-weenie," and "walkie-talkie," demonstrate this pattern. In each case, the repetition of a portion of the word or phrase adds a rhyming element that contributes to its distinctive sound and memorable quality.
Rhyming reduplication is formed in English morphology through duplication and alteration. The duplication involves repeating a portion of the word, often a single syllable or a short sequence of sounds. The alteration occurs by modifying the initial consonant or consonant cluster in the repeated portion to create a rhyme.
The purpose of rhyming reduplication in English morphology varies. It can be a linguistic device for creating catchy or memorable phrases, particularly in informal or playful contexts. It often carries a connotation of informality, fun, or lightheartedness. The repeated rhyming structure also contributes to the rhythmic quality of the construction, making it more pleasing to the ear and potentially enhancing its impact in speech or poetic expression.
Overall, rhyming reduplication in English morphology showcases the language's creative and playful nature. It allows for forming distinctive and memorable expressions by repeating and modifying a portion of a word or phrase to create a rhyming effect.

Exact reduplication/ FULL reduplication is a linguistic phenomenon in English morphology where a word or phrase is created by repeating the entire base or a portion of it with no alterations or modifications. The repeated element remains identical in exact reduplication, including its phonetic and morphological structure.
The examples you provided, such as "bye-bye," "choo-choo," "night-night," "no-no," "pee-pee," and "poo-poo," demonstrate this pattern. In each case, the repetition of the base creates a repetitive and often expressive or childlike effect. These constructions are commonly used in informal language and are often associated with speech directed towards children or used in playful contexts.
Exact reduplication is formed in English morphology by duplicating the entire base or a portion of it without making any changes to its phonetic or morphological structure. The repetition can involve repeating a single word (e.g., "bye-bye," "no-no") or a syllable (e.g., "choo-choo," "pee-pee"). The repetition reinforces the meaning or emphasizes the concept expressed by the base word and often adds a sense of familiarity, informality, or affection.
The purpose of exact reduplication in English morphology varies. It can serve as a linguistic device for creating familiar or endearing expressions, particularly when addressing young children or using childlike language. Exact reduplication can also contribute to the language's rhythm or sound pattern, making it more memorable or catchy. Additionally, it can function as a way to convey repetition or intensify a concept.
Overall, exact reduplication showcases the expressive and playful nature of language. It allows for the creation of words or phrases by repeating and preserving the exact form of the base, resulting in constructions that are often memorable, catchy, and evoke a specific emotional or stylistic tone.

Ablaut Reduplication involves the alteration of vowel sounds within a repeated base. Ablaut Reduplication is a morphological process that involves the repetition of a base or a portion of it with a change in vowel quality. The term "ablauf" comes from German and means "offspring" or "continuation." In English, Ablaut Reduplication typically occurs in compounds or phrases and serves different purposes, such as emphasizing repetition, intensifying meaning, or creating a rhythmic or playful effect.
Ablaut Reduplication often follows a specific pattern of vowel alternation, known as ablaut or vowel gradation. This pattern involves a systematic change in the quality of the vowel, such as "i" changing to "a" or "o." Here are a few examples of Ablaut Reduplication:
•    "Ping-pong"
•    "Ding-dong"
•    "Flip-flop"
•    "Tick-tock"
•    "Knock-knock"
In these examples, you can observe the alternation of vowel sounds (e.g., "i" to "o" in "ping-pong," "i" to "o" in "flip-flop"). This alteration contributes to the rhythmic quality and creates a catchy or repetitive effect.
The formation of Ablaut Reduplication in English morphology is driven by the desire to convey repetition or intensify meaning through a distinctive sound pattern. The alteration of vowel sounds adds a rhythmic quality to the words or phrases, making them more memorable or attention-grabbing. Additionally, Ablaut Reduplication can evoke a sense of playfulness or informality in language.
To summarize, Ablaut Reduplication involves the repetition of a base with a change in vowel quality. It emphasizes repetition, intensifies meaning, or creates a rhythmic or playful effect. However, the examples  provided, such as "bric-a-brac," "chit-chat," "criss-cross," and others, do not exhibit Ablaut Reduplication but rather involve reduplication with other patterns.

In English morphology, partial reduplication refers to the process of repeating only a portion of a word or morpheme to create a new word or a different form of the same word. This repetition is typically limited to a specific segment or syllable within the base word.

Partial reduplication serves various purposes in language, such as:

1. Diminution: Partial reduplication can indicate a smaller or diminished version of the base word.

   • Example: "Doggie" (from "dog"): The partial reduplication of the "g" sound creates a term used to refer to a small or cute dog.

2. Affection or Familiarity: Partial reduplication can convey a sense of endearment, intimacy, or informality.

   • Example: "Mommy" (from "mom"): The partial reduplication of the "m" sound expresses familiarity or affection.

3. Alteration or Modification: Partial reduplication can modify or alter the meaning of the base word.

   • Example: "Walkie-talkie" (from "walk" and "talk"): The partial reduplication of the "ie" sound forms a compound word describing a portable communication device.

Partial reduplication is not as common in English as it is in some other languages, but it can be found in certain lexical items and colloquial expressions. It adds nuance, expressiveness, and variety to the language by creating new words or modifying existing ones through the repetition of specific segments or syllables.