Question

What is the origin of the &#x27;sik&#x27; component of the word &#x27;haus sik&#x27; meaning &#x27;hospital&#x27; in Tok Pisin?

Accepted Answer

The &#x27;sik&#x27; component of the word &#x27;haus sik&#x27; in Tok Pisin, meaning &#x27;hospital&#x27;, originates from the English word &#x27;sick&#x27;. Tok Pisin, having English as its superstrate or lexifier language, borrowed many words from English. In this case, &#x27;sik&#x27; is a modified pronunciation of &#x27;sick&#x27;, adapted to fit the phonological patterns of Tok Pisin. The word &#x27;haus&#x27; means &#x27;house&#x27; in Tok Pisin, also derived from English. Thus, &#x27;haus sik&#x27; literally translates to &#x27;sick house&#x27;, which is how &#x27;hospital&#x27; is expressed in Tok Pisin using a compound word derived from English.

What is the origin of the 'sik' component of the word 'haus sik' meaning 'hospital' in Tok Pisin?

The 'sik' component of the word 'haus sik' in Tok Pisin, meaning 'hospital', originates from the English word 'sick'. Tok Pisin, having English as its superstrate or....

Community Answers

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What is the origin of the 'sik' component of the word 'haus sik' meaning 'hospital' in Tok Pisin?

The 'sik' component of the word 'haus sik' in Tok Pisin, meaning 'hospital', originates from the English word 'sick'. Tok Pisin, having English as its superstrate or....

Community Answers