Mimation and Nunation: A Comparative Phonetic Study

Abstract

This research aims to address the phenomenon of mimation existed in the Ancient Yemen Language Inscriptions. It seeks to compare between it and the nunation phenomenon of Standard Arabic Language Literature. The research has benefited from the Semitic languages – or the languages of the Arabian Peninsula –which highlight both branches of Arabic Language phenomena. The research also focuses on the definitions of nunation and mimation, noting the close phonetic connection between (m) and (n) phonemes, with mentioning which one of the morphemes has the precedency in linguistic use, referencing to noun mimation and nunation cases, Elision and epenthesis places, and semantic origin. All this will be based on the available inscriptions, supported by the available data of the Semitic studies, especially that data which was provided by the Standard Arabic language studies on the phenomenon of nunation.

The research reached at a number of conclusions, of which the following are the most significant:

Mimation is similar to nunation. Their similarity is enhanced in their phonetic aspect, depending on the extent of alteration existing between (m) and (n) sounds. Furthermore, mimation is more precedent than nunation, as evidenced by its presence in the Semitic Language as of its earliest origin. In view of noun mimation and nunation, the research has found linguistic evidence that assert the close connection between both two Arabic Language versions in noun mimation and nunation. The places of mimation and nunation elision are almost the same. Although there has not been adequate study for Ancient Yemeni Language linguistic phenomena, the research has found, while researching mimation and nunation parts, confirmed instances of mimation parts which are consistent with nunation parts. The research also found unconfirmed instances or instances that lack further linguistic evidence, especially in the field of poetry. On the semantic aspect of mimation and nunation usage, the research preferred, among the three opinions on this aspect, that the semantic origin of mimation and nunation is their definition. With passage of time, and development of new linguistic mediums that indicate the definition, this was forgotten. Thus, mimation (m) and nunation(n) morphemes became a part of noun negation symbols unlike their original use.