英和和英

語源

The first element is a reduced form of 古期英語 an ("on"); the second element is the Middle English gerund suffix -ing(e) from 古期英語 -ung, -ing. Therefore, I go a-hunting = I go on (a) hunting/I go on a hunt. Due to confusion with the unrelated Middle English Present Participle ending -inge (alteration of -inde from 古期英語 -ende), the use of a(n) preposition (which was fast evolving into a distinct prefix) was extended to present participles (かつ not merely restricted to preceding verbal nouns). With this development, the a- -ing circumfix emerged. Nowadays, in the few dialects of English (such as, notably the 方言 of Smith Island, Virginia) which retain this circumfix, it is only circumfixed to words which function as part of a verb phrase; otherwise, -ing is suffixed.