The Art of Repetition: An In-depth Study of Dhatki Reduplication

Abstract

This study investigates the patterns and functions of reduplication in the Dhatki language, an IndoAryan language spoken in southeastern Sindh and parts of Rajasthan. The main objectives are to identify the types of reduplication found in Dhatki and to analyze the meanings and functions they serve. Reduplication is a common word-formation process in many South Asian languages, but its detailed role in Dhatki has been underexplored. Using the framework of Morphological Doubling Theory (MDT), this research provides a structural and functional analysis of reduplication in Dhatki. The study follows a qualitative research methodology. Data were collected through purposive sampling from native Dhatki speakers in natural conversational settings. Around 30 authentic examples of reduplication were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed morphologically and semantically. The findings reveal three major types of reduplication in Dhatki: total reduplication (e.g., bol-bol), partial reduplication (e.g., jal-jalen), and nonsensical or echo reduplication (e.g., tappu-kuppu). Each type performs distinct linguistic functions such as expressing repetition, emphasis, derivation, or playfulness. These patterns reflect Dhatki’s creative and expressive wordbuilding strategies. This study fills a gap in existing linguistic research and emphasizes the importance of studying lesser-known regional languages to understand broader morphological patterns in South Asian linguistics.