An Original Linguistic Research Publication

Abstract

In the intricate labyrinth of the English language, where every facet of human existence finds its linguistic counterpart, a conspicuous void has lingered—an expression that succinctly captures the quintessence of beings that yield to the tranquil allure of hibernation. This scholarly discourse advocates for the incorporation of ‘Hibernuat,’ its plural form ‘Hibernuats,’ and the adjective ‘hibernuatic,’ as essential augmentations to the English lexicon, addressing a lexical void that has long yearned for completion.

The Imperative for Nomenclature

Language, akin to a perpetually evolving entity, thrives on the necessity to christen the unnamed, to classify the unclassified. The act of hibernation, a phenomenon as primordial as life itself, has intriguingly remained a linguistic orphan in the chronicles of English terminology. The term ‘Hibernuat’, a linguistic amalgamation of the Latin ‘hibernare,’ signifying ‘to winter,’ and ‘nauta:’ Dutch (Friesland): Translates into Latin from Dutch ‘schipper, meaning ‘boatman.’ The Dutch word “nauta” itself means ‘sailor;’ Italian: In Italian, ‘Nauta’ is possibly a professional name for a sailor, from ‘helmsman’ (related to Latin ‘nauta). So, depending on the context and language, ‘Nauta’ has connections to seafaring and maritime activities; that explains why we at times say that ‘a creature has gone, or is going into hibernation. Therefore, Hibernuat, denoting ‘winter sailor,’ emerges as a much-desired epithet for these seasonal navigators of slumber.

The Advocacy for ‘Hibernuat’

The induction of ‘Hibernuat’ into everyday parlance is not merely a linguistic novelty but a leap towards enhanced precision and lucidity. The term ‘hibernate’ exists as a verb, and its nominal equivalent has been conspicuously absent, leading to laborious and circuitous descriptions. ‘Hibernuat’ proffers a concise and specific term that venerates the unique biological state of these beings, elevating discourse and enriching both scientific and colloquial dialogues.

The Hibernuatic Concord

The embrace of ‘hibernuatic’ as an adjective provides a harmonious accompaniment to ‘Hibernuat,’ facilitating the depiction of phenomena, behaviour, and attributes associated with the ‘hibernatory’ state. It is an expression that encapsulates the tranquillity and conservation inherent to hibernation, offering a linguistic instrument that is both poetic and precise.

Conclusion

In summation, the introduction of ‘Hibernuat,’ ‘Hibernuats,’ and ‘hibernuatic’ into the English language is a stride that rectifies a historical oversight. It is a proposition that acknowledges the significance of nomenclature in sculpting our comprehension of the natural world. As such, these terms should be embraced by the English-speaking populace and enshrined within the annals of dictionaries and texts, standing as a testament to the dynamic and responsive nature of our language. This article, crafted with the utmost diligence, stands as an original piece of scholarly work, advocating for a linguistic transformation that is both necessary and overdue. It is a clarion call for linguists, lexicographers, and aficionados of language to adopt these terms, ensuring that the hibernating inhabitants of our planet are finally accorded the recognition they so profoundly deserve. Let us, therefore, welcome ‘Hibernuat,’ ‘Hibernuats,’ and ‘hibernuatic’ into our collective consciousness, and in doing so, enrich the tapestry of English with new threads of understanding and appreciation.

(To highlight my unwavering conviction regarding these words, I opted to include the term HIBERNUATS in the title of my most recent book: “The Hibernuats – A Tale of Human Hibernation.”) – Dandy Ahaoma Ahuruonye