What is rebracketing in linguistics? (14)(Hindi/Urdu)

Here are some examples that show how rebracketing can influence not just the forms of words but their meanings and even how new words are created in a language.

In Hindi/Urdu:

Almirah:

Original form: “al-mir’ah” (Arabic origin, meaning “cupboard” or “wardrobe”)

Rebracketed form: Became “almirah,” integrating the Arabic article “al” into the Hindi/Urdu word.

Tamarind:

Original form: “tamar hindi” (Arabic, meaning “Indian date”)

Rebracketed form: Became “tamarind,” where “tamar” and “hindi” fused into a single word.

Rebracketing is a widespread linguistic phenomenon that can significantly influence the evolution of languages across different cultures.