Details

General

Morphemic form: V{-iqsaq}V
New orthography: -ersarpaa, -ersarpoq
Old orthography: -ersarpâ, -ersarpoĸ
Sources: [9, 11]
Combinations: Click here
Constituents: N{-iq}V, V{saq}V,
Left sandhi:
Truncative,
/aq/ deleting,
Right sandhi:
Default/none,
Inflection sandhi:
Default/none,
Stem type: q-stem
Diathesis: Reflexive
Valency change: Increasing
Valency:
Divalent,

Description and behaviour

Form and usage:

This is a seemingly non-productive affix that is only used with a few verb stems, in particular some built with V{(q)gusuk}V, 'want to Vb'. According to Kleinschmidt (1871), the meaning is 'Agent rids Patient of his Vb'ness'. The diathesis is reflexive, so when used intransitively without a HTR-morpheme, the meaning becomes 'Agent rids himself of his Vb'ness'. Neither Kleinschmidt (1871) nor Schultz-Lorentzen (1958) mention a HTR-form of this affix.

According to Schultz-Lorentzen (1958), this affix is related to N{-iq}V, which apparently is the source of the initial /iq/ segment, even though that morpheme normally joins onto noun stems. The /saq/ segment is unexplained. The affix also does not appear in the Comparative Eskimo Dictionary, so the etymology is uncertain. However, Oqaatsit (1997) does mention a lexicalised word qasuersaarpoq, which has almost the same meaning as an example mentioned by Schultz-Lorentzen (1958) for this affix, qasuersarpoq, 'he rests'. This alternation between /saq/ and /saaq/ could suggest that the second part of this morpheme is V{saq}V, 'try to cause to'. However, this should only be taken as a working hypothesis.


Meanings and examples

And when used intransitively: 'Agent rids himself of his Vb'ness'.

  • imerusuersarpaa, he gives him drinks (to quench his thirst) [11]

    From imerusuppoq, 'he wants to drink'. Literally: 'he rids him of his desire to drink'.

  • qasuersarpoq, he rests [11]

    From qasuvoq, 'he is tired'. Literally: 'he rids himself of his tiredness'. Note the intransitive (reflexive) usage here.

  • tumannguersarpaa, he feeds him [9]

    From tumannguvoq, 'he is hungry'. Literally: 'he rids him of his hunger'.