Semantic Variations in Punjabi Circumfixal Pattern: An Optimality Theory Analysis

Abstract

Circumfixation is a type of affixation in which a word is changed into a different form by adding a
morpheme in two parts on both sides at the same time. This study is focused on the semantic changes
occur while a circumfix is attached to root and new word is formed, which changes its meaning and
connotation simultaneously. For instance: kɘm „work‟ is a root word with neutral connotation while its
derivation ni-kɘm-ma „incompetent‟ has a negative connotation. This negativity of meaning is indicated
from the circumfix attached with the root word. This study examines the semantic variations that occur
through derivation. To analyze these features, Optimality Theory will be used as theoretical frame work