Diminutive names in Peninsular Arabic

Bibliographic Data

ID2813614
AuthorsMark D Shockley (0000-0002-8718-7239, Leiden University, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume87
Issue1
Pages69-85
Publication date2024-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0041-977X • E-ISSN: 1474-0699
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0041977x23000964
OpenAlexW4390813260
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited16

In the Arabian Peninsula, lexically diminutive personal names, family names and place names are ubiquitous. In a dataset of 9,060 Arabian names, 1,717 (19 per cent) are diminutive. This article finds that the diminutive pattern CiCēC (cf. Classical CuCayC) has meanings and functions in Arabic names that are distinct from its meanings and functions in common nouns. In addition to expected meanings related to size, the diminutive carries partitive and attributive meanings. It may simply mark a name (as an onymic) or derive a name (as a transonymic). The diminutive may disambiguate two similar names found in close proximity (e.g. Diba ≠ Dubai). The form and function of the diminutive differ categorically according to what kind of name is diminutivized, supporting the semantic-pragmatic theory of names. A quantitative analysis of toponyms indicates that diminutive names are associated with Bedouin dialects and practices, as suggested by previous research

Arabic · Attributive · Diminutive · Linguistics · Noun · Proper noun · Toponymy · Archaeology and Historical Studies · History · Language, Linguistics, Cultural Analysis · Names, Identity, and Discrimination Research · Philosophy

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