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-emint
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The suffix -emint creates verbs from other verbs. An example is drigemintsje to threaten, from driigje to threaten. The suffix adds a slightly negative or pejorative meaning. Although from non-native origin, it is nowadays restricted to native bases. The process, is unproductive, however.

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[+]General properties

The suffix -emint can be considered to derive verbs from verbs. The suffix is unproductive. Infinitives always end in -emintsje. This regularly consists of the infinitival ending -je (of the weak class II) and an inserted /s/ (as a result of assibilation). Here are the cases in which the suffix is operative:

Table 1
Verbal base Derivation
bûg(j)e to bow bûgemintsje to bow
driigje to threaten drigemintsje to threaten
preuvelje to mumble preuvelemintsje to mumble
banne to chase away bannemintsje to chase away
ketterje to rave kettermintsje to rave
omreagje to throw down omrigemintsje to throw down
sakkerje to curse sakkermintsje to curse
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Conversion or derivation?

The element -emint is presented as a suffix here. On the basis of the existence of the nouns bûgemint bow, drigemint threat and preuvelemint talk, muttered prayer, however, one could opt for an analysis that bûgemintsje etc. are merely conversions from noun to verb. However, Visser (2000:183) argues that these nouns are complex, as they are derived with a nominal suffix -emint (see native verbal bases). With a complex base, conversion is not a readily available option. Furthermore, such a conversion cannot account for most other cases, which lack a possible nominal base. Visser therefore assumes that -emint has developed as a separate suffix, possibly as an extension of a conversion of the - simplex - noun sakremint sacrament to sakremintsje/sakkermintsje. He draws a parallel with the development and behaviour of -jei.

[+]Semantic properties

The suffix has a slightly pejorative (or negative) effect (which can only be represented with difficulty in a translation).

[+]Phonological properties

The suffix is pronounced as [əmInt]. The main stress of the derivation is on the syllable -mint. The schwa of the suffix may delete after a stressless syllable, as in *ketteremintsje > kettermintsje.

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Literature

This topic is heavily indebted to Visser (2000:182-183). He also mentions some etymological details.

References
  • Visser, Willem2000Frjemd wurdt eigener. Oer de âlde Frânske lienwurden yn it FryskIt Beaken62141-218
  • Visser, Willem2000Frjemd wurdt eigener. Oer de âlde Frânske lienwurden yn it FryskIt Beaken62141-218
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