Question

Kano na kine ki nuksa harum kaba hab ha ka kyntien synrap shiteng shiliang (partial reduplication)?

• A. khri-rui-rui
• B. leit-leit wan-wan
• C. lung-lung leng-leng
• D. byrngut-byrnget

Hint:

Partial reduplication changes only part of a word to create rhythm or emphasis, while full reduplication repeats the whole word exactly.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding reduplication.
Reduplication is a linguistic process in which part or all of a word is repeated to convey a grammatical or semantic effect.
In Khasi language, reduplication can be of two main types — full and partial.
Step 2: Meaning of partial reduplication (synrap shiteng shiliang).
Partial reduplication means that only a portion or part of the word is repeated, not the entire word.
Usually, the root word remains constant while only a syllable changes slightly to form rhythmic or expressive effects.
Step 3: Analyzing the given options.
- (1) khri-rui-rui: The repetition here involves a modification — “khri” becomes “rui-rui,” which is not a full repetition but a partial one. This fits the definition of partial reduplication.
- (2) leit-leit wan-wan: This is full reduplication since the whole word “leit” and “wan” are repeated exactly.
- (3) lung-lung leng-leng: Both parts are entirely repeated, making this an example of full reduplication too.
- (4) byrngut-byrnget: The repetition is based on sound similarity but not true reduplication, as both are separate root words.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Hence, “khri-rui-rui” is the correct example of partial reduplication in Khasi, as the repetition occurs with alteration of a part of the word.