This paper is an attempt to investigate reduplication in English and Arabic and conduct a contrastive study of this linguistic reservoir. Reduplication is an untapped source of linguistic creativity which is ignored and neglected in the two languages.This research aims to bring this phenomenon to the limelight and raise the awareness of language users of such a linguistic feature. Following the exposition of the various taxonomies of reduplication phonologically and semantically in this research, it is then investigated as a child-centred contextual tool of teaching language through nursery rhymes, especially at the pre-school stage. Reduplication types are categorized phonologically into reduplication of consonant-motivated ablaut and vowel-motivated one. Semantic aspects of reduplication include diminution, repetition, intensity, baby register, scattering, contempt, lack of control, lack of specificity and continuity. The didactic nature of nursery rhymes is reinforced by the use of reduplication which appeals to the ears of children.The contextual investigation of reduplication within nursery rhymes hypothesizes that reduplication is oriented to instil values and refine morals in the hearts and souls of children. |
