The adaptation of words from Portuguese into Papiamentu

Abstract

This study investigates the adaptation/nativization of words from Portuguese into Papiamentu and aims (i) to discuss a Portuguese etymology to some loanwords; (ii) and to consider phonological and morphological processes that occurred in adaptation/nativization. The definition of Papiamentu’s lexifier language (Portuguese or Spanish) remains uncertain and there are defenders of at least four hypotheses. Maduro’s study (1953), which posits a Spanish base to Papiamentu, was our corpus. The analysis showed that Maduro’s etymological considerations had shortcomings, and some etymologies were revised, considering both Portuguese and Spanish as possible etymons. Regarding the words ending in -mentu, in most cases a Portuguese etymon was identified; there were also cases wherein the word was formed in Papiamentu, being -mentu a suffix. Thus, this study argues that the presence of Portuguese in Papiamentu is greater than presumed by Maduro (1953). In addition, it shows nativization to happen on the basis of the phonological patterns of the recipient language.