Gdansk Studies in Language Circumlocution Tok Pisin

This study analyzes circumlocutions in Tok Pisin using a corpus from Wantok Niuspepa. It examines their frequency, structure, origins, and meanings. The study identifies 351 circumlocutions, influenced by English and local languages, shaped by metonymy and metaphor. The findings highlight their significance in Tok Pisin’s evolving lexicon. This book explores circumlocutions by analyzing a corpus of newspaper texts from Wantok Niuspepa, revealing how they function, evolve, and reflect the Melanesian worldview. Examining 351 frequently occurring circumlocutions, the study uncovers their grammatical patterns, semantic categories and metaphorical foundations. Borrowings from English, Tolai, Fijian and Samoan present in circumlocutions highlight the interplay between language, culture and history. Through metonymy and metaphor, Tok Pisin circumlocutions encapsulate emotions, social values and indigenous perspectives. This book emphasizes the role of circumlocution in Tok Pisin and its significance in shaping linguistic and cultural identity.