LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 15:5 May 2015
ISSN 1930-2940

Managing Editor: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.
Editors: B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. A. Sharada, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         Lakhan Gusain, Ph.D.
         Jennifer Marie Bayer, Ph.D.
         S. M. Ravichandran, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         L. Ramamoorthy, Ph.D.
         C. Subburaman, Ph.D. (Economics)
         N. Nadaraja Pillai, Ph.D.
Assistant Managing Editor: Swarna Thirumalai, M.A.

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Consonant Sequence and Syllable Formation in Asuri

S. Ganesh Baskaran, Ph.D.

Abstract

The term consonant sequence in the present analysis refers to the combination of more than one consonants occurring across the syllable boundary. Unlike consonant sequences, the consonant clusters in Asuri are not very rich. All the sequences occur only in the medial position of words. On the other hand, syllable is a unit of pronunciation in phonology. Most of the syllables in the language are monosyllabic. However, di-syllabic, tri-syllabic, tetra-syllabic, and penta-syllabic words are also found in Asuri. The basic structure of Asuri syllables are VC, CV, and CVC. The present paper is an attempt by the researcher to describe the existing consonant sequences and syllable structures of Asuri in the light of modern synchronic approach.

Key words: Asuri, Consonant sequence and syllable

Introduction

The speakers of Asuri are found mainly in the Gumla district of Chotanagpur area. They are also found in small scattered groups in the states of Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Odisha. According to Grierson, G. A. 1903, “Linguistic Survey of India” Vol- IV, Asuri belongs to the Austro-Asiatic family of north Munda group. Jharkhand is one of the thickly populated states in India. The state is endowed with beautiful, flora-fauna, and many waterfalls. There are many indigenous languages spoken in the state like Ho, Bhumij, Mundari, Santali, Orang/Kurux, Birhor , Kol, etc. They have their rich culture but very few books and articles are written on their language. Asuris are rich in folk literature, which includes folk-tales, folk songs, folk-dances, riddles, proverbs, medicine, and craft etc. Moreover, Asuri folk literature makes available a picture of the society in which it flourished. The ways of life, customs, institutions, joys and sorrows are all reflected on the members of their community in folk literature.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

S. Ganesh Baskaran, Ph.D.
Rabindranath Tagore School of Languages and Cultural Studies
Department of Linguistics
Assam University
Dorgalona
Silchar 788011
Assam
India
baskaranld@gmail.com
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