Morden Uighur Word "bɑr-" Is " Go, Reach" Grammaticalization
School of Precollege Education, Aba Teachers College, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture 623002, China
| Abstract: | In the modern Uighur language, the verb "bɑr-" is a complex term and a common polysemous word that is easy to cause mistranslation. The various grammatical meanings expressed are initially explored and attempted to be analyzed with the usage in modern Uighur standard language. In modern Uighur, the lexical item “bɑr-” exhibits dual grammatical functions (as both a main verb and an auxiliary verb). Furthermore, grammaticalization strategies may vary across languages. Through examining the grammaticalization pathways of different word classes, we observe that languages adopt diverse and heterogeneous grammaticalization mechanisms. This phenomenon is not only prevalent in modern languages but also widely attested in ancient languages. Specifically, modern Uighur demonstrates instances where verbs and nouns evolve into tense markers, yet these pathways contrast sharply with the broader patterns of grammaticalization in Uighur. For example, while grammaticalization pathways exist in Uighur where verbs develop into tense markers (e.g., “bɑr-”), the direct grammaticalization of nouns into tense markers has not been observed. Compared to the grammaticalization of other word classes, the grammaticalization of verbs is the most complex, often involving multilayered semantic and functional shifts. Consequently, systematically reconstructing their developmental trajectories poses significant challenges. This paper focuses on the high-frequency Uyghur verb "bɑr-" and attempts to explore its grammaticalization pathway from ancient times to the present. The analysis of "bɑr-"—a polysemous word with complex meanings such as "go" and "achieve"—poses significant challenges in accurate translation due to its multiple interpretations. The study provides a preliminary discussion on the various grammatical meanings expressed by this verb and seeks to examine its usage in comparison with modern standard Uyghur. Additionally, it explores and attempts to deconstruct the functional evolution of “bɑr-” as a verb within syntactic structures. |
| Keywords: | “bɑr-”; Word Meaning; Grammaticalization |
| DOI: | 10.57237/j.cll.2025.02.002 |
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Received: 28 February 2025
Accepted: 23 April 2025
Published Online: 30 June 2025
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