LANGUAGE IN INDIA

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Volume 25:11 November 2025
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Semantic Idiosyncrasies and Classification of Selected Multi-Word Expressions in Namboothiri Dialect

Mythili Raja
Dr.Syam S.K.

Abstract

Multi-word expressions (henceforth MWEs) are an interesting feature of languages. They are expressions containing more than one word with a meaning, different from the meaning of their constituent elements. The meaning carried by these MWEs is specific. They are usually mastered and used extensively by native speakers. However, there are a few hurdles in understanding or decoding for non-native speakers. It becomes a bit more difficult when it comes to dealing with MWEs in a dialect of a language. The current study focuses on delving into the semantic idiosyncrasies and classification of MWEs in the Namboothiri dialect of Malayalam. This dialect is a caste dialect that carries its idiosyncrasies. Namboothiris are a subcategory of the Brahmins of Kerala. They are believed to have settled in the state as a result of the Aryan migration. They have influenced the development of Malayalam with their Sanskrit tradition that led to the ma?ipRava?a tradition. The study is the first of its kind, as there are few or no studies about MWEs of a dialect of a language. MWE-based studies are very less even in the Malayalam language. Hence, the current study adds significantly to the existing knowledge of the MWEs of the Malayalam language.

Keywords:Multi-word expressions (MWEs), Malayalam, dialect, semantic idiosyncrasies, classification

Introduction

Multiword Expressions (MWE) can be described as "idiosyncratic interpretations that cross word boundaries (or spaces)" (Sag, Ivan A. et.al, 2002). They are lexical items that exhibit semantic idiosyncrasies. They can be classified into various types. Identification of these MWEs in a language is carried out based on certain properties and features. These properties are the basis of the semantic idiosyncrasies of MWEs. The research paper provides comprehensive information on the properties, types, and classification of MWEs.

The paper specifically focuses on analysing the semantic idiosyncrasies of MWEs in one of the caste dialects of the Malayalam language. The dialect is known as the Namboothiri dialect. Namboothiris, also known as Kerala brahmins or Malayala brahmins, are a community following the ancient Vedic tradition. According to Kesavan Veluthattu brahmin settlements of Kerala began around the end of the Sangam period in history. They brought in with them their tradition which is heavily influenced by Vedic tradition. The contribution of this community to the development of the Malayalam language is non-negligible because they influenced Malayalam language development with the Sanskrit tradition. The life and culture of this community is deeply entangled with the Sanskrit language. Hence, one can find a lot of idiosyncrasies in their dialect. Therefore, MWEs of this caste dialect is interesting with their uniqueness. Thus, in this paper the semantic idiosyncrasies and the classification of these MWEs are attempted.

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

Mythili Raja
Research Scholar,
Department of Linguistics,
University of Kerala
mythili@keralauniversity.ac.in
&
Dr.Syam S.K.
Assistant Professor,
Department of Linguistics,
University of Kerala
drsyam@keralauniversity.ac.in

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