Details

General

Morphemic form: V{-micaaq}V
New orthography: -misaarpoq
Old orthography: -missârpoĸ
Sources: [13, 17, 16]
Combinations: View list
Constituents: V{-mi}V + V{caaq}V
Left sandhi: Truncative
Right sandhi: Default/none
Inflection sandhi: Default/none
Stem type: q-stem
Diathesis: None
Valency: Preserving, Preserving

Description and behaviour

Form and usage:

This is a non-productive affix mentioned in older dictionaries, but not in Oqaatsit [19]. It seems to be a combination of V{-mi}V, denoting an incomplete action, and V{caaq}V, denoting a spaced repetition of the verbal action. This is indicated in the Comparative Eskimo Dictionary [21].

Kleinschmidt [13] translates it as "så småt og stadig igen", which perhaps can be translated as 'a bit (but increasing) and still again'. Thus, it seems that the meaning is something like a continuously repeated action (at intervals), and possibly increasing, i.e. at shorter and shorter intervals.


Meanings and examples

Maybe also with a notion of 'more and more'.

  • qinimisaarpaa, he looks for it a bit [13]

    E.g. while he is under way, and therefore without stopping. From qinerpaa, 'he looks/search for him'.

  • assoruumisaaritsi, Come on, put some strength into it! [13]

    From assoroorpoq, 'he uses all his strength/might', and with the 2pl imperative ending V{gitci}. Literally, 'use your strength a bit' (not all your strength, but some, and continually).

  • tusarniamisaaraluarpakkit, I still, a bit, (play with the thought of) wanting to hear thee (i.e. your opinion), (that is, if you want to say it to me) [13]

    From tusarpaa, 'he hears it' and with V{niaq}V, 'want to' and with the transitive indicative ending V{vamgət}.


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