Details

General

Morphemic form: V{'-siq}V
New orthography: -serpoq, -ffaserpoq
Old orthography: '--serpoĸ
Sources: [11]
Combinations: Click here
Constituents: V{'-t(ə)}V, V{-liq}V,
Left sandhi:
Truncative,
Geminating,
Right sandhi:
Assibilation (t⇒s),
Inflection sandhi:
Default/none,
Stem type: q-stem
Diathesis: None
Valency change: Preserving
Valency:
None,

Description and behaviour

Form and usage:

This is a non-productive affix found in some lexicalised words. It seems to be a combination of the geminating affix V{'-t(ə)}V, here used in an intransitive, reflexive sense; and V{-liq}V, 'begin to', according to the Comparative Eskimo Dictionary {{ cite(ced|Under the entry for liq-.) }}. The latter affix is not normally replacive on t-stems (or t(ə)-stems), but in the present case, the affix seems to have been formed by this process.

The meaning of the affix, as given by Schultz-Lorentzen [11], can best be translated as 'begin to', similar to V{-liq}V, which in Danish is translated as 'begynder at'. However, unlike V{-liq}V, the Danish expression used for the present affix is 'giver sig til at', which is reflexive, and this may be the reason for the presence of the V{'-t(ə)}V affix. This distinction does not exist in English, but the difference between 'begynder at' and 'giver sig til at', is that the latter has has an element of volition. Perhaps, it could be translated as 'begins to Vb of its own accord', or 'Subject begins to make himself Vb'. The use of the present affix instead of V{-liq}V seems to reflect this distinction.


Left sandhi:

Left sandhi is inherited from the left-most component, V{'-t(ə)}V. See this for details.


Meanings and examples

Or 'Subject begins to make himself Vb'.

  • nerriserpoq, he begins to eat [11]

    From nerivoq, 'he eats', with gemination of /r/ to /rr/.

  • ummiserpoq, the weather begins to darken; visibility decreases [11]

    The base is unclear.

  • qallaserpoq, it begins to boil (the water) [11]

    From qalappoq, 'it boils', with gemination of /l/ to /ll/.

  • atuffaserpoq, he began to read [14]

    From atuarpoq, 'he reads'. i.e. {atuvaq}V, with gemination of /v/ to [ff].

  • niffaserpoq, he began to shovel [14]

    From nivappoq, 'he shovels', with gemination of /v/ to [ff].

  • tiffaserpoq, he began to perform drum-dancing [14]

    From tivavoq, 'he performs drum-dancing', with gemination of /v/ to [ff].