Reduplication in Tsara

Abstract

In this study we described and analyse reduplication processes in Tsara. Reduplication is a linguistic process where a word or part of a word is repeated to create a new meaning or form.  Tsara is less studied an Omotic language spoken in Southwest Ethiopia regional state, Kafa Zone, Decha district. The language is not developing writing system and used as a media of instruction. The Tsara people also found outside Decha district and other neighboring areas. The current study mainly focuses on Tsara reduplication system. The main objective of the study is to describe and analyze the type and function of reduplication in different word categories of the Language.The qualitative method of data analysis and collection is employed. The primary and secondary data collection is conducted. The primary data collected through key informants using fieldwork in the language speaking area. In this study we employed the dual theory of reduplication which was introduced by Inkelas and Zoll (2005). There two types of reduplication are occurred in the language that are partial and complete reduplication. Reduplication is productive in the language. It is occurred in most of the word categories of the language. We identified that a reduplication of a word or part of it expresses the meaning of intensity, plurality, and emphasis in utterances. We recommended a further study of reduplication in the language especially from the derivational and tonal perspectives, which is not attested in this study due to data and time limitation.