Senjecas Inflection: Difference between revisions

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==Pronunciation table==
==Pronunciation table==
{|class="bluetable lightbluebg" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle; width:1150px;"
! colspan="6" | <center>'''peműko'''<br>(labial)</center>
|
|
! colspan="6" | '''riisűko'''<br>(dental)
|
|
! colspan="6" | '''muitűko'''<br>(alveolar)
|
|
! colspan="6-" | '''vainűko'''<br>(palatal)
|
|
! colspan="2" |
|
|
! colspan="6" | '''ṡ̨uuše̋nos'''<br>(vowels with प)
|
|
! colspan="3" | '''nı̋þo ṡ̨uuše̋nos'''<br>(weak vowels)
|-
! <center>p</center>
! b
! f
! v
! m̃
! m
|
|
! t
! d
! þ
! ð
! ɫ
! l
|
|
! ṡ
! ż
! s
! z
! r
! n
|
|
! k
! g
! x
! [[Wikipedia:Gha|ƣ]]
! h
! [[Wikipedia:Yogh|ȝ]]
|
|
! š
! s̨
|
|
! i
! e
! a
! [[Wikipedia:O|ɔ]]
! o
! u
|
|
! ı
! ɛ
! y
|-
! <center>प</center>
! ब
! फ
! भ
! म़
! म
|
|
! त
! द
! थ
! ध
! ल़
! ल
|
|
! च
! ज
! स
! स़
! र
! न
|
|
! क
! ग
! क़
! [[Wikipedia:Gha|ग़]]
! ह
! [[Wikipedia:Yogh|य]]
|
|
! स्व
! स्य
|
|
! इ ई<br>पि पी
! ए एै<br>पे पै
! अ आ<br>प पा
! ऒ ॵ<br>पॊ पॏ
! ओ औ<br>पो पौ
! उ ऊ<br>पु पू
|
|
! पं
! पऺ
! पॅ
|-
| /p/
| /b/
| /ɸ/
| /β/
| /m̥/
| /m/
!
!
| /t/
| /d/
| /θ/
| /ð/
| /l̥/
| /l/
!
!
| /ʦ/
| /ʣ/
| /s/
| /z/
| /ɾ̥/
| /n/
!
!
| /k/
| /g/
| /ç/
| /ʝ/
| /j̊/
| /j/
!
!
| /sʷ/
| /sʲ/
!
!
| /i/
| /e/
| /ä/
| /ɒ/
| /o/
| /u/
!
!
| /ɪ/
| /ɛ/
| /ʊ/
|}
==Glossing abbreviations==
{|class="bluetable lightbluebg" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:left; margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
{|class="bluetable lightbluebg" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:left; margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
| 1s/p = 1st person singular/plural
| 1s/p = 1st person singular/plural
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| FUT = future
| FUT = future
| LOC = [[Wikipedia:Locative case|locative suffix]]
| LOC = [[Wikipedia:Locative case|locative suffix]]
| REV = [[Wikipedia:Opposite (semantics)|reversive]]
| Q = [[Wikipedia:Interrogative word|interrogative particle]]
| VOC = vocative particle
| VOC = vocative particle
|-
|-
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| IMP = imperative
| IMP = imperative
| M = masculine
| M = masculine
| Q = [[Wikipedia:Interrogative word|interrogative particle]]
| QUOT = direct quotation
| YNG = young
| YNG = young
|-
|-
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| INC = [[Wikipedia:Inchoative aspect|inchoative]]
| INC = [[Wikipedia:Inchoative aspect|inchoative]]
| OCC = occupation suffix
| OCC = occupation suffix
| QUOT = direct quotation
| REV = [[Wikipedia:Opposite (semantics)|reversive]]
|
|
|-
|-
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*2.2.1 [[Wikipedia:Noun|Nouns]] are words that designate a person, a thing, a place or an abstraction.
*2.2.1 [[Wikipedia:Noun|Nouns]] are words that designate a person, a thing, a place or an abstraction.


*2.2.2 Nouns and adjectives have but one root, which is the word minus the declensional ending, ''e.g.'', '''sı̋þ-o''', ladder. This root plus the nominative singular declensional ending is the [[Wikipedia:lemma (morphology)|lemma]] for nouns.
*2.2.2 Nouns and adjectives have but one root, which is the word minus the declensional ending, ''e.g.'', '''sı̋þ-o''', ladder. This root plus the nominative singular declensional ending is the lemma for nouns.


*2.2.3 There are two [[Wikipedia:Grammatical number|numbers]], singular (s) and plural (p). The singular denotes a single item. The plural denotes more than one item.
*2.2.3 There are two [[Wikipedia:Grammatical number|numbers]], singular (s) and plural (p). The singular denotes a single item. The plural denotes more than one item.
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*2.2.5 There are six [[Wikipedia:Noun class|classes]] of nouns, one for each of the vowels.
*2.2.5 There are six [[Wikipedia:Noun class|classes]] of nouns, one for each of the vowels.
**2.2.5.1 The '''-i''' class contains animate nouns that name plants, ''e.g.'', '''a̋spi''', aspen, and nouns in '''-t̬i''', ''e.g.'', '''ba̋nt̬i''', soap, which are, for the most part, vegetable in origin.
**2.2.5.1 The '''-i''' class contains animate nouns that name plants, ''e.g.'', '''a̋spi''', aspen, and nouns in '''-t̬i''', ''e.g.'', '''ba̋nt̬i''', soap, which are, for the most part, vegetable in origin.
**2.2.5.2 The '''–e''' class contains animate nouns that name animals, ''e.g.'', '''ṡa̋se''', hare.
**2.2.5.2 The '''–e''' class contains animate nouns that name animals, ''e.g.'', '''ṡe̋se''', hare.
**2.2.5.3 The '''–a''' class contains inanimate abstract nouns, ''e.g.'', '''ɫ̨őxra''', flight.
**2.2.5.3 The '''–a''' class contains inanimate abstract nouns, ''e.g.'', '''ɫ̨őxra''', flight.
**2.2.5.4 The '''–ɔ''' class contains animate nouns that name aberrant creatures, ''e.g.'', '''marǧe̋nɔ''', mermaid.
**2.2.5.4 The '''–ɔ''' class contains animate nouns that name aberrant creatures, ''e.g.'', '''marǧe̋nɔ''', mermaid.
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*2.3.5 The place of the demonstrative adjectives is taken by the proclitics '''i-''' for ''this'', '''a-''' for ''that'', and '''o-''' for ''yon''. When used as adjectives, '''si''' means ''the latter'' and '''ni''', ''the former''. '''so''' and '''no''' are also used as the demonstrative pronouns.
*2.3.5 The place of the demonstrative adjectives is taken by the proclitics '''i-''' for ''this'', '''a-''' for ''that'', and '''o-''' for ''yon''. When used as adjectives, '''si''' means ''the latter'' and '''ni''', ''the former''. '''so''' and '''no''' are also used as the demonstrative pronouns.


*2.3.6 The place of the personal possessive adjectives is taken by the proclitics '''mu-''' for ''my'', '''tu-''' for ''your (singular)'', '''m̃u-''' for ''our'', and '''ȝu-''' for ''your (plural)'': '''m̃u-m̃e̋e̋so''', our house; '''ða̋lo tu-ṡa̋bo''', your green hat. For the 3rd person the proclitic is '''eȝ-''' with the appropriate class vowel: '''eȝu-ta̋a̋ta''', his father; '''eȝi-va̋los''', its leaves.
*2.3.6 The place of the personal possessive adjectives is taken by the proclitics '''mu-''' for ''my'', '''tu-''' for ''your (singular)'', '''m̃u-''' for ''our'', and '''ȝu-''' for ''your (plural)'': '''m̃u-m̃e̋e̋so''', our house; '''ða̋lo tu-ṡa̋bo''', your green hat. For the 3rd person the proclitic is '''eȝ-''' with the appropriate class vowel: '''eȝu-ta̋a̋ta''', his father; '''eȝe-va̋los''', its leaves.


*2.3.7 The demonstrative proclitic may be emphasized by following the noun with the emphatic enclitic '''-ṡe''': '''e-ta̋a̋ino''', that stone; '''e-ta̋a̋ino-ṡe''', that stone right there; '''o–se̋ro''', yon table; '''o–se̋ro-ṡe''', yon table way over there.
*2.3.7 The demonstrative proclitic may be emphasized by following the noun with the emphatic enclitic '''-ṡe''': '''e-ta̋a̋ino''', that stone; '''e-ta̋a̋ino-ṡe''', that stone right there; '''o–se̋ro''', yon table; '''o–se̋ro-ṡe''', yon table way over there.
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::::'''i-m̃ı̋ı̋rus gőbus vűűa''', these men are handsome.
::::'''i-m̃ı̋ı̋rus gőbus vűűa''', these men are handsome.
:::::{|
:::::{|
!i-m̃ı̋r-us||gőb-us||vűű-a'''
!i-m̃ı̋ı̋r-us||gőb-us||vűű-a'''
|-
|-
|this-man-N.p||handsome-N.p||be-IND
|this-man-N.p||handsome-N.p||be-IND
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*2.3.10 Participles are verbal adjectives. There is a participle for each time, aspect and mood of the verb. ''v.'' 3.1.9.
*2.3.10 Participles are verbal adjectives. There is a participle for each time, aspect and mood of the verb. ''v.'' 3.1.9.


*2.3.11 The agent participles (AP) are formed by suffixing <'''-nt-'''> to the modal root of the verb, ''e.g.'', '''m̃e̋na''', love, '''m̃e̋nanti''', loving. The high accent remains on the root vowel.
*2.3.11 The agent participles (AP) are formed by suffixing <'''-nt-'''> to the modal root of the verb, ''e.g.'', '''m̃e̋na''', love, '''m̃e̋nanti''', loving. The primary accent remains on the root vowel.


*2.3.12 The patient participles (PP) are formed by suffixing <'''-þ-'''> to the modal root of the verb, ''e.g.'', '''m̃e̋na''', love, '''m̃e̋naþi''', loved. The high accent remains on the root vowel.  
*2.3.12 The patient participles (PP) are formed by suffixing <'''-þ-'''> to the modal root of the verb, ''e.g.'', '''m̃e̋na''', love, '''m̃e̋naþi''', loved. The primary accent remains on the root vowel.  


*2.3.13 A characteristic of adjectives (and adverbs) is that they can be compared.
*2.3.13 A characteristic of adjectives (and adverbs) is that they can be compared.


*2.3.14 There is only one degree of comparison, known as the [[Wikipedia:Elative (gradation)|elative]] (ELT), which is used for both the comparative and the superlative. The elative degree is formed by reduplicating the first consonant of the word. This is then linked to the word by [[Wikipedia:Vowel harmony|vowel harmony]].
*2.3.14 There is only one degree of comparison, known as the [[Wikipedia:Elative (gradation)|elative]] (ELT), which is used for both the comparative and the superlative. The elative degree is formed by reduplicating the first consonant of the word. This is then linked to the word by [[Wikipedia:Vowel harmony|vowel harmony]].
**2.3.14.1 If the root vowel is a front vowel (<nowiki><i></nowiki>, <e>, <a>), then the linking vowel is <ɪ>, ''e.g.'', '''ze̋gi''', brave; '''zɪze̋gi''', braver/bravest.
**2.3.14.1 If the root vowel is a front vowel (<nowiki><i></nowiki>, <e>, <a>), then the linking vowel is <ı>, ''e.g.'', '''ze̋gi''', brave; '''zıze̋gi''', braver/bravest.
**2.3.14.2 If the root vowel is a back vowel (<ɔ>, <o>, <nowiki><u></nowiki>), then the linking vowel is <y>, ''e.g.'', '''sőȝi''', cold; '''sysőȝi''', colder/coldest.
**2.3.14.2 If the root vowel is a back vowel (<ɔ>, <o>, <nowiki><u></nowiki>), then the linking vowel is <y>, ''e.g.'', '''sőȝi''', cold; '''sysőȝi''', colder/coldest.
**2.3.14.3 If the word begins with a vowel (or diphthong), then the vowel (or diphthong) and first consonant are reduplicated: '''a̋sti''', cunning; '''asa̋sti''', more/most cunning; '''ɔ̋ri''', severe; '''ɔrɔ̋ri''', more/most severe.
**2.3.14.3 If the word begins with a vowel (or diphthong), then the vowel (or diphthong) and first consonant are reduplicated: '''a̋sti''', cunning; '''asa̋sti''', more/most cunning; '''ɔ̋ri''', severe; '''ɔrɔ̋ri''', more/most severe.
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*2.3.16 The noun or pronoun of comparison is in the genitive case followed by the postposition '''sóma''', in comparison to.  Because the genitive singular ends in '''–s''', the '''–s''' is elided in front of the postposition.
*2.3.16 The noun or pronoun of comparison is in the genitive case followed by the postposition '''sóma''', in comparison to.  Because the genitive singular ends in '''–s''', the '''–s''' is elided in front of the postposition.


::::'''ta̋a̋ta poikű' sóma sɪsa̋a̋ṡu e̋sa:''' The father is wiser than the son.
::::'''ta̋a̋ta poikű' sóma sısa̋a̋ṡu e̋sa:''' The father is wiser than the son.
:::::{|
:::::{|
!ta̋a̋t-a||poik-ű-'||sóma||~sa̋a̋ṡ-u||e̋s-a
!ta̋a̋t-a||poik-ű-'||sóma||~sa̋a̋ṡ-u||e̋s-a
|-
|-
|father-N.s||son-G.s-ELIS||than||ELT~wise-N.s||be-IND
|father-N.s||son-G.s-ELIS||than||ELT~wise-N.s||be-IND
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|}
|}


*2.3.20 When a noun is modified attributively by an equative adjective, a compound adjective is formed.
*2.3.20 When a noun is modified predicatively by an equative adjective, a compound adjective is formed.


::::'''éȝu verm̃a̋lu vűűa:''' He is as strong as a bear.
::::'''éȝu verm̃a̋lu vűűa:''' He is as strong as a bear.
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|}
|}


*2.4.8 A discrete number is treated as a compound noun with respect to intonation. For example, in the number 458 given above, note that the high accent is on the noun '''sa̋tos''' and the cardinal number '''bı̋n'''. A mid accent is placed on the numbers, ''e.g.'', '''náálfoos'''.
*2.4.8 A discrete number is treated as a compound noun with respect to intonation. For example, in the number 458 given above, note that the primary accent is on the noun '''sa̋tos''' and the cardinal number '''bı̋n'''. A secondary accent is place on the numbers, ''e.g.'', '''náálfoos'''.


*2.4.9 Numerals may be used attributively, ''e.g.'', '''mu d̬ő na̋a̋ȝen e-na̋ka''', ''I saw two dogs''. They may not be used pronominally. A sentence like ''I saw two'' must be phrased with a pronoun ''I saw two of them'', '''mu d̬ő éȝon e-na̋ka'''. Note that ''them'' is in the accusative case as the direct object of the verb, literally ''I saw two thems''.
*2.4.9 Numerals may be used attributively, ''e.g.'', '''mu d̬ő na̋a̋ȝen e-na̋ka''', ''I saw two dogs''. They may not be used pronominally. A sentence like ''I saw two'' must be phrased with a pronoun ''I saw two of them'', '''mu d̬ő éȝon e-na̋ka'''. Note that ''them'' is in the accusative case as the direct object of the verb, literally ''I saw two thems''.
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*2.4.11 The ordinal numerals beyond ''twentieth'' are formed by juxtaposing the required ordinals, the smaller placed last, and the last element of the number taking the ordinal ending, ''e.g.'', '''d̬ofőősti''', twentieth; '''þűnti''', first; '''d̬őfoos þűnti''', twenty-first.
*2.4.11 The ordinal numerals beyond ''twentieth'' are formed by juxtaposing the required ordinals, the smaller placed last, and the last element of the number taking the ordinal ending, ''e.g.'', '''d̬ofőősti''', twentieth; '''þűnti''', first; '''d̬őfoos þűnti''', twenty-first.


*2.4.12 The adverbial numbers expressing repetition are formed by adding the suffix '''–s''' to the cardinal number, ''e.g.'', '''d̬ő''', two; '''d̬ós''', twice. Note the accent change from high to mid, since the adjective has become an adverb.
*2.4.12 The adverbial numbers expressing repetition are formed by adding the suffix '''–s''' to the cardinal number, ''e.g.'', '''d̬ő''', two; '''d̬ós''', twice. Note the accent change from primary to secondary, since the adjective has become an adverb.


*2.4.13 Numbers expressing increase are formed by adding the suffix '''–pe̋li''' to the cardinal number, ''e.g.'', '''d̬ő''', two; '''d̬ope̋li''', twofold.
*2.4.13 Numbers expressing increase are formed by adding the suffix '''–pe̋li''' to the cardinal number, ''e.g.'', '''d̬ő''', two; '''d̬ope̋li''', twofold.
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!2nd singular
!2nd singular
!2nd plural
!2nd plural
!3rd singular
!2nd singular
!3rd plural
!2nd plural
|-
|-
! align=center |Nominative
! align=center |Nominative
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*2.5.9 The indefinite pronouns are '''tííðu''', someone, and '''tííðo''', something. The negative indefinite pronouns are '''netííðu''', no one, nobody, and '''netííðo''', nothing. They are declined in the same way as the personal pronouns (''v.'' 3.5.2).
*2.5.9 The indefinite pronouns are '''tííðu''', someone, and '''tííðo''', something. The negative indefinite pronouns are '''netííðu''', no one, nobody, and '''netííðo''', nothing. They are declined in the same way as the personal pronouns (''v.'' 3.5.2).


*2.5.10 The possessive pronoun is formed by prefixing the personal pronoun to the noun, ''e.g.'', '''mu-me̋xa''', my country; '''m̃u-me̋xa''', our country.
*2.5.10 The possessive pronoun is formed by prefixing the consonant of the personal pronoun plus the approptiate class vowel to the noun, ''e.g.'', '''mu-me̋xa''', my country; '''eȝo-te̋e̋ro (''the stone'') its color; '''eȝe-ṡı̋do (''the cow'') its horn.


*2.5.11 The reflexive pronoun is formed by prefixing the personal pronoun to the noun '''mı̋i''', self.
*2.5.11 The reflexive pronoun is formed with the noun '''mı̋i''', self. There is no need to prefix a personal pronoun.


::::'''éȝu eȝu-mı̋um e-m̃a̋a̋a: '''He wounded himself.
::::'''éȝu mı̋um e-m̃a̋a̋a: '''He wounded himself.
:::::{|
:::::{|
!éȝ-u||eȝu=mı̋-um||e=m̃a̋a̋-a
!éȝ-u||mı̋-um||e=m̃a̋a̋-a
|-
|-
|3-N.s||him=self-A.s||PST=wound-IND
|3-N.s||self-A.s||PST=wound-IND
|}
|}


::::'''mu mu-miűs o kist̬a̋lom e-dőőa:''' I gave myself a black eye.
::::'''mu miűs o kist̬a̋lom e-dőőa:''' I gave myself a black eye.
:::::{|
:::::{|
!m-u||mu=mi-űs||o||kis.t̬a̋l-om|||e=dőő-a
!m-u||mi-űs||o||kis.t̬a̋l-om|||e=dőő-a
|-
|-
|1s-N||my=self-G.s||to||bruise.eye-A.s||PST=give-IND
|1s-N||self-G.s||to||bruise.eye-A.s||PST=give-IND
|}
|}


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*2.6.2. Certain words are, of their nature, adverbs, ''e.g.'', '''íðu''', here. Adverbs of this type end in '''-u'''.
*2.6.2. Certain words are, of their nature, adverbs, ''e.g.'', '''íðu''', here. Adverbs of this type end in '''-u'''.


*2.6.3 Any adjective may be used as an adverb. When used in this way, the enclitic '''-(ɛ)vi''' is added to the root of the adjective. The high accent of the adjective is reduced to a mid accent on the adverb.
*2.6.3 Any adjective may be used as an adverb. When used in this way, the enclitic '''-(ɛ)vi''' is added to the root of the adjective. The primary accent of the adjective is reduced to a secondary accent on the adverb.


::::'''ze̋gu i-m̃ı̋ı̋rus e-ṡa̋ta:''' These brave men fought.  
::::'''ze̋gu i-m̃ı̋ı̋rus e-ṡa̋ta:''' These brave men fought.  
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*2.6.5 Adverbs form their comparatives and superlatives in the same way as the adjectives (''v.'' 3.3.14 ).
*2.6.5 Adverbs form their comparatives and superlatives in the same way as the adjectives (''v.'' 3.3.14 ).


::::'''i-m̃ı̋ı̋rus eȝúm sóma zɪzéƣvi e-ṡa̋ta:''' These men fought more bravely than those.
::::'''i-m̃ı̋ı̋rus eȝúm sóma zızéƣvi e-ṡa̋ta:''' These men fought more bravely than those.
:::::{|
:::::{|
!i=m̃ı̋ı̋r-us||eȝ-úm||sóma||~zéƣ=vi||e=ṡa̋t-a
!i=m̃ı̋ı̋r-us||eȝ-úm||sóma||~zéƣ=vi||e=ṡa̋t-a
|-
|-
|this=man-N.p||3-G.p||than||ELT~brave=ADV||PST=fight-ADV
|this=man-N.p||3-G.p||than||ELT~brave=ADV||PST=fight-ADV

Revision as of 17:41, 24 September 2024

Pronunciation table

peműko
(labial)
riisűko
(dental)
muitűko
(alveolar)
vainűko
(palatal)
ṡ̨uuše̋nos
(vowels with प)
nı̋þo ṡ̨uuše̋nos
(weak vowels)
p
b f v m t d þ ð ɫ l ż s z r n k g x ƣ h ȝ š i e a ɔ o u ı ɛ y
म़ ल़ स़ क़ ग़ स्व स्य इ ई
पि पी
ए एै
पे पै
अ आ
प पा
ऒ ॵ
पॊ पॏ
ओ औ
पो पौ
उ ऊ
पु पू
पं पऺ पॅ
/p/ /b/ /ɸ/ /β/ /m̥/ /m/ /t/ /d/ /θ/ /ð/ /l̥/ /l/ /ʦ/ /ʣ/ /s/ /z/ /ɾ̥/ /n/ /k/ /g/ /ç/ /ʝ/ /j̊/ /j/ /sʷ/ /sʲ/ /i/ /e/ /ä/ /ɒ/ /o/ /u/ /ɪ/ /ɛ/ /ʊ/


Glossing abbreviations

1s/p = 1st person singular/plural ABL = ablative suffix COL = collective F = feminine INT = intensive prefix PRV = privative prefix SUP = supine
2s/p = 2nd person singular/plural ABS = absolutive
(an unmarked modifying adjective)
DES = desiderative FRQ = frequentative LAT = lative suffix PST = past TRZ = transitivizer
3 = 3rd person ADV = adverb DIM = diminutive FUT = future LOC = locative suffix Q = interrogative particle VOC = vocative particle
A(.s/p) = accusative (singular/plural) AG = agent ELIS = elision IMP = imperative M = masculine QUOT = direct quotation YNG = young
G(.s/p) = genitive (singular/plural) AP = agent (active) participle ELT = elative INC = inchoative OCC = occupation suffix REV = reversive
N(.s/p) = nominative (singular/plural) AUG = augmentative EP = epenthesis IND = indicative PP = patient (past) participle RPR = recent perfective
V(.s/p) = vocative (singular/plural) CAUS = causative EQU = equative degree INS = instrument PRF = perfect SBJ = subjunctive


Part II – INFLECTION - sűűra

  • Senjecas is a combination of both an analytic (or isolating) language and an inflected language. Inflection is a change in the form of a word which is made to express its relation to other words. It includes the declension of nouns, adjectives, participles, and pronouns, and the conjugation of verbs. In the process of inflection, suffixes are added to a root which conveys the fundamental idea underlying the word.

2.1 Verbs – ka̋a̋tos

  • 2.1.1 Verbs are words that convey an action (e.g., bring, read, walk, run, learn) or a state of being (e.g., be, exist, stand).
  • 2.1.2 The root of a verb is the verb minus the mood suffix. As this root is never found alone, in the dictionary the indicative form is used, e.g., m̃e̋na. This form is the lemma for verbs.
  • 2.1.3 A finite verb is marked only for mood. The verb has three moods: the indicative (IND), the subjunctive (SBJ), and the imperative (IMP). In the indicative, a statement of fact is made. In the subjunctive, a statement of unreality or uncertainty is made. In the imperative, a command is given. These moods are called finite moods. The subjunctive is also called a dependent mood. To the root is added <-a> for the indicative mood, <-e̋ȝa> for the subjunctive mood, and <-e> for the imperative mood. There is no infinitive.
  • 2.1.4 Verbs are not marked for tense. A proclitic is used to indicate time when necessary. <e-> is used to indicate past time (PST). <u-> is used to indicate future time (FUT). They are joined to the verb by a hyphen (ƣeðbőto), e.g., pe̋ua, seek; e-pe̋ua, sought.
If the verb has a prefix, the proclitic is inserted between the prefix and the verb, e.g., an-e-ża̋ba, he looked up.
  • 2.1.5 The verb has only one voice, the active. In the active voice, the subject is the doer or agent of the action of the verb. A periphrastic middle voice, in which the subject acts upon himself, is formed by using the reflexive proclitic mi- (self) as the direct object of the verb. A periphrastic passive voice, in which the grammatical subject is the recipient of the action of the verb, is formed by using the verb ı̋la (become) with the patient participle. An accusative sentence, e.g., "sheep slaughter easily," is not possible in Senjecas. It must be rendered as the periphrastic passive, "sheep are (become) slaughtered easily".
  • 2.1.6 The verbal noun is known as the supine (kaaþfe̋e̋to). It is formed by adding -u to the verb root, e.g., tőla, determine; tőlu, (to) determine. It is not to be confused with the deverbative noun, e.g., determination, which is a noun of the -a class, e.g., tőlra, determination.
  • 2.1.7 Senjecan verbs are divided into two classes:
  • 2.1.7.1 Class I verbs are those with an initial consonant, e.g., tőla, determine.
  imperfective perfective
indicative active tőla tytőla
subjunctive active tole̋ȝa tytole̋ȝa
imperative active tőle
indicative active participle tőlanti tytőlanti
subjunctive active participle tole̋ȝanti tytole̋ȝanti
indicative patient participle tőlanti tytőlanti
subjunctive patient participle tole̋ȝaþi tytole̋ȝaþi
  • 2.1.7.2 Class II verbs are those which begin with a vowel, e.g., űða, own.
  imperfective perfective
indicative active űða uűða
subjunctive active uðe̋ȝa uuðe̋ȝa
imperative active űðe
indicative active participle űðanti uűðanti
subjunctive active participle uðe̋ȝanti uuðe̋ȝanti
indicative patient participle űðaþi uűðaþi
subjunctive patient participle uðe̋ȝaþi uuðe̋ȝaþi


2.2 Nouns – fe̋e̋tos

  • 2.2.1 Nouns are words that designate a person, a thing, a place or an abstraction.
  • 2.2.2 Nouns and adjectives have but one root, which is the word minus the declensional ending, e.g., sı̋þ-o, ladder. This root plus the nominative singular declensional ending is the lemma for nouns.
  • 2.2.3 There are two numbers, singular (s) and plural (p). The singular denotes a single item. The plural denotes more than one item.
  • 2.2.4 There are four cases, nominative (N), genitive (G), accusative (A), and vocative (V).
  • 2.2.5 There are six classes of nouns, one for each of the vowels.
    • 2.2.5.1 The -i class contains animate nouns that name plants, e.g., a̋spi, aspen, and nouns in -t̬i, e.g., ba̋nt̬i, soap, which are, for the most part, vegetable in origin.
    • 2.2.5.2 The –e class contains animate nouns that name animals, e.g., ṡe̋se, hare.
    • 2.2.5.3 The –a class contains inanimate abstract nouns, e.g., ɫ̨őxra, flight.
    • 2.2.5.4 The –ɔ class contains animate nouns that name aberrant creatures, e.g., marǧe̋nɔ, mermaid.
    • 2.2.5.5 The –o class contains inanimate concrete nouns, e.g., ta̋a̋ino, stone.
    • 2.2.5.6 The –u class contains animate nouns that name loquent beings, e.g., a̋npu, mother-in-law.
    • 2.2.5.7 ma̋a̋ma, mother, and ta̋a̋ta, father, and their compounds, are declined like regular <-a> nouns.
  -i -e -a -o -u
Nominative singular a̋spi ṡa̋se ma̋a̋ma marǧe̋nɔ ta̋a̋ino a̋npu
Nominative plural a̋spis ṡa̋ses ma̋a̋mas marǧe̋nɔs ta̋a̋inos a̋npus
Genitive singular aspı̋s ṡase̋s maama̋s marǧenɔ̋s ta̋ainős anpűs
Genitive plural aspı̋m ṡase̋m maama̋m marǧenɔ̋m taainőm anpűm
Accusative singular a̋spim ṡa̋sem ma̋a̋mam marǧe̋nɔm ta̋a̋inom a̋npum
Accusative plural a̋spin ṡa̋sen ma̋a̋man marǧe̋nɔn ta̋a̋inon a̋npun
Vocative singular aspı̋ ṡase̋ maama̋ marǧenɔ̋ taainő anpű
Vocative plural aspı̋s ṡase̋s maama̋s marǧenɔ̋s taainős anpűs


2.3 Adjectives and determiners - feeþga̋nlosk̬e rexsa̋m̃osk̬e

  • 2.3.2 Determiners single out the noun qualified, rather than describe it. Among the determiners in Senjecas are the interrogative adjectives and the cardinal numerals.
  • 2.3.3 There is no definite article.
  • 2.3.4 There is no indefinite article.
  • 2.3.5 The place of the demonstrative adjectives is taken by the proclitics i- for this, a- for that, and o- for yon. When used as adjectives, si means the latter and ni, the former. so and no are also used as the demonstrative pronouns.
  • 2.3.6 The place of the personal possessive adjectives is taken by the proclitics mu- for my, tu- for your (singular), m̃u- for our, and ȝu- for your (plural): m̃u-m̃e̋e̋so, our house; ða̋lo tu-ṡa̋bo, your green hat. For the 3rd person the proclitic is eȝ- with the appropriate class vowel: eȝu-ta̋a̋ta, his father; eȝe-va̋los, its leaves.
  • 2.3.7 The demonstrative proclitic may be emphasized by following the noun with the emphatic enclitic -ṡe: e-ta̋a̋ino, that stone; e-ta̋a̋ino-ṡe, that stone right there; o–se̋ro, yon table; o–se̋ro-ṡe, yon table way over there.
  • 2.3.8 The interrogative adjectives are xi, which, and xőti, how-, -much, -many.
  • 2.3.9 Adjectives describe a noun or pronoun.
When used attributively they agree with the nouns they qualify in class only. This is called the absolutive (ABS) use of the adjective.
gőbu m̃ı̋ı̋ru, the handsome man
gőbu-Ø m̃ı̋ı̋r-u
handsome-ABS man-N.s
gőbu m̃iirűs o, for the handsome man
gőbu-Ø m̃iir-űs o
handsome-ABS man-G.s for
When used in the predicate they agree in class, case and number, e.g.,
i-m̃ı̋ı̋rus gőbus vűűa, these men are handsome.
i-m̃ı̋ı̋r-us gőb-us vűű-a
this-man-N.p handsome-N.p be-IND
o-ǧa̋ros őőnos e̋sa, yon mountains are high.
o-ǧa̋r-os őőn-os e̋s-a
yon=mountain-N.p high-N.p be-IND
  • 2.3.10 Participles are verbal adjectives. There is a participle for each time, aspect and mood of the verb. v. 3.1.9.
  • 2.3.11 The agent participles (AP) are formed by suffixing <-nt-> to the modal root of the verb, e.g., m̃e̋na, love, m̃e̋nanti, loving. The primary accent remains on the root vowel.
  • 2.3.12 The patient participles (PP) are formed by suffixing <-þ-> to the modal root of the verb, e.g., m̃e̋na, love, m̃e̋naþi, loved. The primary accent remains on the root vowel.
  • 2.3.13 A characteristic of adjectives (and adverbs) is that they can be compared.
  • 2.3.14 There is only one degree of comparison, known as the elative (ELT), which is used for both the comparative and the superlative. The elative degree is formed by reduplicating the first consonant of the word. This is then linked to the word by vowel harmony.
    • 2.3.14.1 If the root vowel is a front vowel (<i>, <e>, <a>), then the linking vowel is <ı>, e.g., ze̋gi, brave; zıze̋gi, braver/bravest.
    • 2.3.14.2 If the root vowel is a back vowel (<ɔ>, <o>, <u>), then the linking vowel is <y>, e.g., sőȝi, cold; sysőȝi, colder/coldest.
    • 2.3.14.3 If the word begins with a vowel (or diphthong), then the vowel (or diphthong) and first consonant are reduplicated: a̋sti, cunning; asa̋sti, more/most cunning; ɔ̋ri, severe; ɔrɔ̋ri, more/most severe.
    • 2.3.14.4 If the root vowel is long, the vowel of the reduplicated syllable is shortened: e̋e̋di, silly; ede̋e̋di, sillier/silliest.
  • 2.3.15 There are no suppletive forms as in English, e.g., good/better.
  • 2.3.16 The noun or pronoun of comparison is in the genitive case followed by the postposition sóma, in comparison to. Because the genitive singular ends in –s, the –s is elided in front of the postposition.
ta̋a̋ta poikű' sóma sısa̋a̋ṡu e̋sa: The father is wiser than the son.
ta̋a̋t-a poik-ű-' sóma sı~sa̋a̋ṡ-u e̋s-a
father-N.s son-G.s-ELIS than ELT~wise-N.s be-IND
  • 2.3.17 Negative elative adjectives are formed by modifying the adjective with the adverb lísu, less. The noun or pronoun of comparison is in the genitive case followed by the postposition sóma, in comparison to.
i-da̋a̋e lísu őṡe né' sóma e̋sa: This river is less swift than that one.
i=da̋a̋-e lísu őṡ-e n-é-' sóma e̋s-a
this-river-N.s less swift-N.s 3-G.s-ELIS than be-IND
  • 2.3.18 The elative degree is not used where in other languages a comparative is used to establish a parallel with one or more other such comparatives. Instead, the adverbs of degree xálu, how much, and toálu, so much, are used to establish the comparison. The adjectives used are not in the elative degree, but in the positive degree.
xálu me̋żu éȝus e̋sa. toálu ṡéþvi főőla: The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
xálu me̋żu-Ø éȝ-us e̋s-a toálu ṡéþ-vi főől-a
how.much big-ABS 3-N.p be-IND so.much hard=ADV fall-IND
  • 2.3.19 Adjectives form the equative degree (EQU) (as...as) by adding the suffix -sta̋li to the root of the adjective. The noun or pronoun of comparison is in the genitive case followed by the postposition sóma, in comparison to.
i-paape̋le kooxɛsta̋le né' sóma e̋sa: This butterfly is as blue as that one.
i=paapı̋l-e koox-sta̋l-e n-e-' sóma e̋s-a
this-butterfly-N.s blue-EQU-N.s 3-G.s-ELIS than be-IND
  • 2.3.20 When a noun is modified predicatively by an equative adjective, a compound adjective is formed.
éȝu verm̃a̋lu vűűa: He is as strong as a bear.
éȝ-u ver.m̃a̋l-u vűű-a
he-N.s bear.strong-N.s be-IND


2.4 Numeralslűkos

  • 2.4.1 The Sefdaanian numerical system uses base 10. There are individual names for the numbers 1-10 and for the numbers for the multiples of one hundred up through ten trillion. A table of these may be found at 2.4.19.
  • 2.4.2 The cardinal numerals for 100 and above are nouns of quantity. They are plural in form when used in compound numerals.
  • 2.4.3 The numbers for the decades are formed by suffixing the noun főős, tens, to the cardinal number, e.g., tı̋rfoos, 30.
  • 2.4.4 In a similar way, the hundreds after 100 are formed by placing the required cardinal before sa̋tos, e.g., tir sa̋tos, 300.
  • 2.4.5 In a similar way, the thousands after 1,000 are formed by placing the required cardinal number before the plural noun t̨űmos, e.g., d̬o t̨űmos, 2,000.
  • 2.4.6 This process is continued with the numeric nouns beyond 1,000, e.g., saad űl̬os, six trillion.
  • 2.4.7 The cardinal numerals are formed by juxtaposing the numbers.
d̬ófoos d̬ő náálfoos nűm naal sa̋tos pénfoos bı̋n sef t̨űmos saað sa̋tos d̬ófoos bı̋n
22 49 458 7,628
  • 2.4.8 A discrete number is treated as a compound noun with respect to intonation. For example, in the number 458 given above, note that the primary accent is on the noun sa̋tos and the cardinal number bı̋n. A secondary accent is place on the numbers, e.g., náálfoos.
  • 2.4.9 Numerals may be used attributively, e.g., mu d̬ő na̋a̋ȝen e-na̋ka, I saw two dogs. They may not be used pronominally. A sentence like I saw two must be phrased with a pronoun I saw two of them, mu d̬ő éȝon e-na̋ka. Note that them is in the accusative case as the direct object of the verb, literally I saw two thems.
  • 2.4.10 When the hundreds, and above, are used attributively the item being counted is put in the genitive case. The noun of quantity, e.g., sa̋tos, hundred, is placed in the class of the item numbered.
m̃ake̋m na̋a̋l sa̋tes vűűla: There are four hundred cows.
m̃ak-e̋m na̋a̋l sa̋t-es vűűl-a
cow-G.p four hundred-N.p there.be-IND
  • 2.4.10.1 But, when simple or compound numerals are added to these nouns of quantity the conjunction da joins them.
m̃ake̋m na̋a̋l sa̋tes da þűn vűűla: There are four hundred one cows.
m̃ak-e̋m na̋a̋l sa̋t-es da þűn vűűl-a
cow-G.p four hundred-N.p and one there.be-IND
  • 2.4.11 The ordinal numerals beyond twentieth are formed by juxtaposing the required ordinals, the smaller placed last, and the last element of the number taking the ordinal ending, e.g., d̬ofőősti, twentieth; þűnti, first; d̬őfoos þűnti, twenty-first.
  • 2.4.12 The adverbial numbers expressing repetition are formed by adding the suffix –s to the cardinal number, e.g., d̬ő, two; d̬ós, twice. Note the accent change from primary to secondary, since the adjective has become an adverb.
  • 2.4.13 Numbers expressing increase are formed by adding the suffix –pe̋li to the cardinal number, e.g., d̬ő, two; d̬ope̋li, twofold.
  • 2.4.14 Multiplicative numbers expressing how many times as many are formed by adding the suffix -k̬őti to the cardinal number, e.g., d̬ok̬őti, twice as many. What is being compared is in the genitive case with the postposition sóma.
éȝu mú' sóma d̬ok̬őte mőren űða: He has twice as many horse as me.
éȝ-u m-ú' sóma d̬o-k̬őte-Ø mőr-en űð-a
3-N.s 1s-G-ELIS than two-as.many-ABS horse-A.p possess-IND
  • 2.4.15 Distributive numbers expressing at a time are formed by duplicating the required number.
m̃ı̋ı̋rus d̬ód̬o þőlom e-ta̋ra: The men crossed the bridge two at a time.
m̃ı̋ı̋r-us d̬ó.d̬o þől-om e=ta̋r-a
man-N.p two.two bridge-A.s PST=cross-IND
  • 2.4.16 Distributive numbers expressing each are formed by adding the determiner nı̋ı̋gi, each, to the cardinal number.
m̃us tirnı̋ı̋go le̋żon éna e-pűla: We split into groups of three each.
m̃-us tir-nı̋ı̋go le̋ż-on éna e=pűl-a
1p-N three-each group-A.p into PST=split-IND
  • 2.4.17 As with the ordinals, the compound numbers are repeated with the proper ending suffixed to the last element, e.g., d̬őfoos d̬ós, twenty-two times; tı̋rfoos tirpe̋li, thirty-three-fold; na̋a̋lfoos penk̬őti, forty-five times as many.
  • 2.4.18 In the case of compound numbers expressing at a time, only the last element of the number is repeated: pe̋nfoos númnum, fifty-nine at a time.
  • 2.4.19 Table of numerals - lukőm ȝezgı̋ı̋ro
# cardinal ordinal multiple adverbial collective fraction distributive
1 þűn þűnti þunpe̋li þúns þűnȝo - þun̈ı̋ı̋gi
2 d̬ő d̬őti d̬ope̋li d̬ós d̬őȝo d̬one̋mo d̬osnı̋ı̋gi
3 tı̋r tı̋rti tirpe̋li tírs tı̋rȝo tirne̋mo tirnı̋ı̋gi
4 na̋a̋l na̋a̋lti naalpe̋li naáls na̋a̋lȝo naalne̋mo naalnı̋ı̋gi
5 pe̋n pe̋nti penpe̋li péns pe̋nȝo pen̈e̋mo pen̈ı̋ı̋gi
6 sa̋a̋d sa̋a̋ðti saaðpe̋li sááðs sa̋a̋ðȝo saaðne̋mo saaðnı̋ı̋gi
7 se̋f se̋fti sefpe̋li séfs se̋fȝo sefne̋mo sefnı̋ı̋gi
8 bı̋n bı̋nti binpe̋li bíns bı̋nȝo bin̈e̋mo bin̈ı̋ı̋gi
9 nűm nűmti numpe̋li núms nűmȝo numne̋mo numnı̋ı̋gi
10 főő főőti foope̋li fóós főőȝo foone̋mo foonı̋ı̋gi
20 d̬őfoos d̬ofőőti d̬ófoope̋li d̬ófoos d̬ofőőȝo d̬ófoone̋mo d̬ófoonı̋ı̋gi
100 sa̋to sa̋þti saþpe̋li sáþs sa̋þȝo saþne̋mo saþnı̋ı̋gi


2.5 Pronouns – ðeefe̋e̋tos

  • 2.5.1 Pronouns are words that can be substituted for nouns. The following types of pronouns may be found in Senjecas: personal, intensive, reciprocal, demonstrative, interrogative, indefinite, possessive and reflexive.
  • 2.5.2 The personal pronouns are mu, I; tu, you; m̃us, we; ȝus, you; éȝu, he, she; éȝ_ it; and éȝ_s, they. These pronouns are put into the appropriate class and case of the noun for which they are substituting, e.g., na̋a̋ȝe, éȝe, (the) dog, it; ı̋ı̋m̃i, éȝi, (the) yew tree, it; ta̋a̋ino, éȝo, (the) rock, it. If a human is talking about himself, he says mu. If a merman is talking about himself, he says .
  1st singular 1st plural 2nd singular 2nd plural 2nd singular 2nd plural
Nominative mu m̃us tu ȝus éȝu éȝus
Genitive mús m̃úm tús ȝúm eȝús eȝúm
Accusative mum m̃un tum ȝun éȝum éȝun
Vocative - - ȝús - -
  • 2.5.3 There is no implication of gender in the third person pronouns. To specify the gender, the gender-marking prefixes must be used, ur-éȝu, he; ii-éȝu, she. These are proclitics and the pitch remains on the pronoun.
  • 2.5.4 The intensive pronoun is formed by suffixing -va, to the personal pronouns, e.g., mu e-a̋ta, I went; muva u-a̋ta, I myself will go. -va is an enclitic and the pitch remains on the pronoun: m̃úmva o, to us ourselves.
  • 2.5.5 The reciprocal pronoun is formed by prefixing an-, other, to the personal pronouns which are then declined in the usual way (v. 2.5.2).
éȝus an-éȝun m̃e̋na: They love each other.
éȝ-us an-éȝ-un m̃e̋n-a
3-N.p other-3-A.p love-IND
  • 2.5.6 The demonstrative pronouns are so, this, referring to what is near in place, time or thought; no, that, referring to what is more remote; and þo, that over there, referring to what is even more remote. They are declined in the same way as the personal pronouns (v. 2.5.2).
  • 2.5.7 The unemphatic demonstrative, which is often used in English as the antecedent of a relative, is not expressed in Senjecas. Instead a participle is used.
mu a-a̋tantun e-na̋ka: I saw those who are going.
m-u a=a̋t-a-nt-un e=na̋k-a
1s-N that=go-IND-AP-A.p PST=see-IND
mu a-e-aa̋tantun e-na̋ka: I saw those who had gone.
m-u a=e=a~a̋t-a-nt-un e=na̋k-a
1s-N that=PST=PRF~go-IND-AP-A.p PST=see-IND
  • 2.5.8 The interrogative pronoun is xu. It is declined in the same way as the personal pronouns (v. 2.5.2).
xu nı̋ma: Who is calling/paying a call?
x-u nı̋m-a
who-N.s pay.a.call-IND
tu xum oőpa: Whom have you chosen?
t-u x-um o~őp-a
2s-N who-A.s PRF~choose-IND
  • 2.5.9 The indefinite pronouns are tííðu, someone, and tííðo, something. The negative indefinite pronouns are netííðu, no one, nobody, and netííðo, nothing. They are declined in the same way as the personal pronouns (v. 3.5.2).
  • 2.5.10 The possessive pronoun is formed by prefixing the consonant of the personal pronoun plus the approptiate class vowel to the noun, e.g., mu-me̋xa, my country; eȝo-te̋e̋ro (the stone) its color; eȝe-ṡı̋do (the cow) its horn.
  • 2.5.11 The reflexive pronoun is formed with the noun mı̋i, self. There is no need to prefix a personal pronoun.
éȝu mı̋um e-m̃a̋a̋a: He wounded himself.
éȝ-u mı̋-um e=m̃a̋a̋-a
3-N.s self-A.s PST=wound-IND
mu miűs o kist̬a̋lom e-dőőa: I gave myself a black eye.
m-u mi-űs o kis.t̬a̋l-om e=dőő-a
1s-N self-G.s to bruise.eye-A.s PST=give-IND


2.6 Adverbs - kaaþga̋nlos

  • 2.6.1. An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, another adverb, determiner, noun phrase, clause, or sentence. This function is called the adverbial function, and may be realized by single words (adverbs) or by multi-word expressions (adverbial phrases and adverbial clauses).
  • 2.6.2. Certain words are, of their nature, adverbs, e.g., íðu, here. Adverbs of this type end in -u.
  • 2.6.3 Any adjective may be used as an adverb. When used in this way, the enclitic -(ɛ)vi is added to the root of the adjective. The primary accent of the adjective is reduced to a secondary accent on the adverb.
ze̋gu i-m̃ı̋ı̋rus e-ṡa̋ta: These brave men fought.
ze̋gu-Ø i=m̃ı̋ı̋r-us e=ṡa̋t-a
brave-ABS this=man-N.p PST=fight-IND
i-m̃ı̋ı̋rus zéƣvi e-ṡa̋ta: These men fought bravely.
i=m̃ı̋ı̋r-us zéƣ=vi e=ṡa̋t-a
this=man-N.p brave=ADV PST=fight-IND
  • 2.6.4 Adverbs of nominal location are formed by adding the proper suffix to the root of the noun, common or proper, e.g., nőmo, home; nómþi, at home; nómþis, from home; nómþim, (to) home.
  • 2.6.5 Adverbs form their comparatives and superlatives in the same way as the adjectives (v. 3.3.14 ).
i-m̃ı̋ı̋rus eȝúm sóma zızéƣvi e-ṡa̋ta: These men fought more bravely than those.
i=m̃ı̋ı̋r-us eȝ-úm sóma zı~zéƣ=vi e=ṡa̋t-a
this=man-N.p 3-G.p than ELT~brave=ADV PST=fight-ADV


Senjecas Syntax Pt. 1