Polysynthetic language 多式綜合語 (多式综合语)

duōshì zōnghéyǔ · from English

What is a polysynthetic language?

A polysynthetic language forms very long words that combine many morphemes, so one word can express a whole sentence.

Inuktitut, Mohawk and Yupik are typical examples; Ainu in Japan has polysynthetic features. Verbs may incorporate subjects, objects and adverbs. They sit at the far end of the scale from isolating languages like Mandarin.

Examples

Inuktitut tusaatsiarunnanngittualuujunga (I cannot hear very well); Ainu verbs incorporating nouns

Kungfucius says: Why say a sentence when one heroic word will do?