Thulean: Difference between revisions
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===Number=== | ===Number=== | ||
1) For the purposes of number, Thulean nouns are divided into count nouns and mass nouns. | |||
2) For count nouns there are two systems of number: | |||
a) singular-plural | |||
b) collective-singulative | |||
3) The singular-plural system works as it does in most European languages, the singular form of the noun is default and marks a single instance of that noun. The plural form marks multiple instances of that noun. Eg: | |||
S(in)G(ular): kattu "cat" | |||
PL(ural): katar "cats" | |||
4) With the collective-singulative system the collective form of the noun is default and marks multiple instances of that noun. The singulative form marks a single instance of that noun. Collective nouns usually indicate entities that are found in groups. Eg: | |||
COL(lective): makku "pigs" | |||
S(in)G(ulati)V(e): makan "pig". | |||
5) Mass nouns are considered to be pluralia tanta and thus use the collective-singulative system. The collective indicates a lump or mass and the singulative indicates a part of that lump or mass. Eg: | |||
COL: ninta "water" | |||
SGV: ninnan "a drop of water". | |||
6) Number suffixes: | |||
a) After vowel: | |||
SGV: -n | |||
b) After consonant or before suffix: | |||
PL: -ra | |||
SGV: -ne | |||
==Syntax== | ==Syntax== | ||