IALLTEACH (Issues In Applied Linguistics & Language Teaching)
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026): Issues in Applied Linguistics and Language Teaching

Reduplicative Words in English Vocabulary: A Literature-Based Analysis

Nabila Saprani Ritonga (Institut Pendidikan Tapanuli Selatan)
Yolanda Vanesa Andrini (Institut Pendidikan Tapanuli Selatan)
Juni Sharah Lubis (Institut Pendidikan Tapanuli Selatan)
Diah Nanda Amelia Siregar (Institut Pendidikan Tapanuli Selatan)
Nurazizah Nurazizah (Institut Pendidikan Tapanuli Selatan)
Fadillah Nursakinah (Institut Pendidikan Tapanuli Selatan)
Rizky Ananda (Institut Pendidikan Tapanuli Selatan)



Article Info

Publish Date
13 Jun 2026

Abstract

This paper examines the use of reduplicative words in English vocabulary by analyzing their types, structural patterns, and communicative functions. The study employed a qualitative descriptive method through a library research approach using books, journal articles, and previous studies related to reduplication and morphology. The literature analysis indicates that English reduplicative words are generally classified into full reduplication, rhyming reduplication, and ablaut reduplication. Furthermore, reduplicative forms mainly function as expressive and stylistic elements used to convey emphasis, emotional expression, playfulness, and informal meaning in communication. The study concludes that reduplication remains a creative and meaningful feature of English vocabulary and communication. The study employed a qualitative descriptive design through library research by analyzing 18 scholarly sources related to reduplication and morphology.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

iallteach

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences Other

Description

The language, be it verbal or non-verbal, has been the primary medium of human interactions to take place. However, there still seems to be a little attempt for a thorough investigations in understanding problematic issues that may emerge because of the language. Issues in Applied Linguistics & ...