An Aslian origin for the word gibbon

Lexis: Journal in English Lexicology

关键词: animal names;    loanwords;    morphological analysis;    Austroasiatic;    Malay;   

DOI  :  10.4000/lexis.4291

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

This article examines the etymology of the word gibbon, which is not yet clear. The article presents a phonemic analysis using the ALINE algorithm which suggests that the root word is Northern Aslian kbɔɲ, used by Menraq communities in the heart of Peninsular Malaysia. This article reviews morphological, ethno-geographical, semantic, historical and linguistic evidence that supports this hypothesis. The article proposes Malay as an intermediary, noting that several other Aslian words entered European languages via Malay.

【 授权许可】

Unknown