Zhuang word structure

Abstract

The Zhuang language is divided into two main varieties, the northern variety and the southern variety. This paper describes the lexicology of the northern variety of the Zhuang language, and its focus is on word formation, and especially Chinese loanword formation. Based on syllable structures, words are classified into monosyllabic word, disyllabic word, and tri-syllabic word. Words are formed by compounding, affixing and reduplicating. The Chinese loanwords for everyday use account for 30-40 per cent of the total vocabulary and the Chinese loanwords for culture, education, current affairs, politics and so on amount to 60-70 per cent. The paper discusses loan processes and the classification of loanwords into old loanwords and new.