Adverbial Derivation in Toba Batak Language: A Generative Transformational Study

Esron Ambarita

doi:10.30743/ll.v2i2.689

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to elaborate adverbial derivation in Toba Batak language from the view point of generative transformational study. The data were analysed by applying modified theory with reference to Halle’s model as the main theory. Therefore, there are six components of sets of generative transformational rules as modified theory in this study, i.e. List of Morphemes, Word Formation Rules, Filter, Orthographic Rules, Phonological Rules, and Dictionary. The method of this study is descriptive qualitative. The data were collected by using observation and interview. The collected data are voice-recordings and writings. The research findings show that adverbial derivation in Toba Batak language are done by attaching (1) prefix [par-], (2) prefix [maN-], (3) prefix [mar-], (4) affix combination [-umal-], and (5) affix combination [-umar-] to stems. The results of the affixation processes generate complex words which have new grammatical and lexical meanings. Phoneme assimilation takes place in morphological processes particularly with prefix [ma-]. The inflectional processes of attaching those affixes bring about phonological idiosyncrasy; therefore, such words must be processed in filter to generate acceptable words in Toba Batak language.

Highlights

Most studies on word formations from the view point of generative transformational study focus on nominal word formation, verbal word formation, and adjectival word formation and other “generative” works are still not positioned at the holistic of the compositionality scale
Affixation as one of the morphological processes will generate new word when affixes are attached to stems (Ambarita, 2018c: 75)
Data analyses show that inflectional affixes of forming adverb (: ADV) from adverb in Toba Batak language consist of prefix (: PREF) [par-], PREF [maN-], PREF [mar-], affix combination (: AC) [-umal-], and AC [-umar]

Summary

Introduction

Most studies on word formations from the view point of generative transformational study focus on nominal word formation, verbal word formation, and adjectival word formation (cf. Ambarita, 2018b, Loe, 2018; Hacken, 2017; Zainuddin, 2012; Nasution, 2011; Murdianto, 2000; Sukri, 2008; Simpen, 1995; Sudiroatmaja, 1994) and other “generative” works are still not positioned at the holistic of the compositionality scale. The aim of this study is to elaborate adverbial derivation in Toba Batak language from the view point of generative transformational study. Affixation as one of the morphological processes will generate new word when affixes are attached to stems (Ambarita, 2018c: 75). Talking about word formation, the native speakers of a language are able to relate linguistic elements in morphological sub-systems. According to Halle (1973: 1), the speakers of a language possess knowledge about the words of the language and about the composition and structure of the words. The composition and the Adverbial Derivation in Toba Batak Language: A Generative Transformational Study, Esron Ambarita structure of a word deal with the elements and forms of the word itself (Ambarita, 2016: 11)

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Conclusion