Echo Reduplication within Turkic Languages and Beyond

Tong, Mengyuan and Lu, Fangxin (2025) Echo Reduplication within Turkic Languages and Beyond. ACTA ORIENTALIA ACADEMIAE SCIENTIARUM HUNGARICAE, 78 (4). pp. 693-727. ISSN 0001-6446

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Abstract

This study investigates the geo-linguistic distribution and variation of echo reduplication (ER) within and beyond Turkic languages, focusing on its diffusion paths and the role of language contact in shaping its current distribution. Through examining data from 91 languages belonging to ten language families, we demonstrate that ER is widely distributed across the Eurasian continent, with a pattern radiating outward from Central Asia. We identify three main types of ER, based on the nature of the modification: C-type (consonant replacement), V-type (vowel alternation), and CV-type (initial syllable modification). Our findings reveal that the majority of languages employ C-type ER, while languages on the edge show more deviation. The presence of ER in genetically unrelated but geographically adjacent languages suggests that its extensive distribution results from contact-induced convergence. Considering its internal characteristics and ER distribution pattern, we argue that Turkic languages might be the originator of ER, or at least the distributor of ER. Subsequently, ER spreads to other language families through direct and indirect contact.

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