Adaptation of Loanwords by Saraiki Speakers

Abstract

The study presents a basic analysis of loanwords adaptation process by Saraiki speakers. Loanwords from three languages are analyzed and results reveal that native grammar used different strategies for different languages. In one language the onset/initial CC is adapted while in the other the final CC is modified by Saraiki speakers. It is observed that if the loanwords structure is absent in native grammar, it is not adapted though it follows universal principles. Native grammar allows clusters on both initial and final positions but loanwords do not. The study also discloses the strange behaviour for different languages, Saraiki speakers used fix vowel to break the cluster of English loanwords but vowel harmony and gemination in Arabic loanwords. It is noted that loanwords grammar preferred to have CV and CVC syllables rather than clusters at margins. Apart from grammatical adaptation, prosodic structure of receiver is also maintained. In many examples Saraiki follows universal principles but sometimes presents its own way to adapt loanwords