Root of the ט־ל־ל ṭâlal family (1 member).

To cover, overlay, or plate (typically with beams or other structural elements); in the contexts where this verb appears, it specifically refers to the act of providing an overhead covering or roofing element as part of construction, particularly in the building or repairing of houses or sacred spaces.

Etymology From the root ט-ל-ל, likely meaning 'to cover, shade, or overlay.' The verb form represents causation or application of such covering, whether with beams or similar materials. While the root is rare and not fully attested outside the verb form, the semantic development aligns with similar roots in Northwest Semitic languages for 'to overarch, shade, or overlay.'

Reflexes  · not yet grouped by proto-form

LanguageWordMeaningSegmentationRoot
Bemba tala to place, put (something on top of another), to roof t-l
Kaonde kutala to roof, to put a cover on top -tal-
Lamba tala to roof, cover (with a roof) -tal-
Lunda tala to cover (as with a roof) -tal-