The Nuance of Emphasis: Exploring Pleonastic Suffixes in Assamese

Every language possesses a unique system for constructing meaning. Assamese, the easternmost Indo-Aryan language and Assam's official tongue, exemplifies this with its rich morphological system. Suffixes, attached to word ends, significantly impact meaning and emotional weight. This study delves into a fascinating subset: pleonastic suffixes. Unlike others, these add emphasis and emotional depth without altering core meaning. Their versatility allows them to express a range of emotions in everyday speech. Their frequent use reflects the nuanced expressiveness inherent in Assamese. To illuminate these multifaceted functions, a corpus-based approach will be employed. A comprehensive corpus of spoken Assamese, compiled from interviews, documentaries, and everyday conversations, will be analysed using established corpus techniques to identify instances of pleonastic suffixes. Following this, a qualitative analysis using thematic and discourse analysis will delve deeper, examining context, conveyed emotions, and the overall impact on the message. This exploration of the pleonastic suffixes will further help in gaining a deeper appreciation for Assamese morphology. These seemingly small additions significantly enhance the language's emotional depth and communicative power. This research paper, will not only contribute to a better understanding of Assamese grammar but also sheds light on the role of morphology in shaping emotional expression across languages.