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Duskaran Grammar

Duskaran has a simple and functional grammar system optimized for clarity and adaptability in the survival-focused culture of its speakers. It emphasizes word order, context, and affixes over complex inflections.

1. Word Order

The base word order is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO). Modifiers follow nouns, and prepositions precede objects.

  • Example:
    Mi shanda maji.
    /mi ˈʃan.da ˈma.ji/
    "We trade water."

2. Nouns

Pluralization

  • Plurality is marked with the suffix -ya, or inferred from context.
    • Singular: hanaŋa (tree)
      Plural: hanaŋaya (trees)

Possession

  • Possession is indicated by word order, with the possessor following the possessed noun.
    • Example:
      Kibanda mi.
      /kiˈban.da mi/
      "Our shelter."

Definiteness

  • Definiteness is optional and contextual. Articles like ka (the) or zi (a) can be used when necessary.
    • Example:
      Ka maji.
      /ka ˈma.ji/
      "The water."

3. Pronouns

  • Personal Pronouns:

    • mi /mi/ – we (inclusive)
    • zi /zi/ – you (singular/plural)
    • ŋa /ŋa/ – they (neutral, singular/plural)

  • Example:
    Zi shanda maji.
    /zi ˈʃan.da ˈma.ji/
    "You trade water."

4. Verbs

Conjugation

  • Verbs are not conjugated for tense or person. Time is indicated by context or temporal adverbs.

Negation

  • Negation is formed with the particle ma placed before the verb.
    • Example:
      Mi ma shanda maji.
      /mi ma ˈʃan.da ˈma.ji/
      "We do not trade water."

Tense and Aspect

  • Temporal markers:
    • Past: kora /ˈko.ra/ ("before")
    • Present: Implied by context.
    • Future: tuka /ˈtu.ka/ ("soon")
  • Example:
    Mi tuka shanda maji.
    /mi ˈtu.ka ˈʃan.da ˈma.ji/
    "We will trade water."

5. Adjectives

  • Adjectives follow the nouns they describe and do not inflect for gender or number.
    • Example:
      Hanaŋa tana.
      /ˈha.na.ŋa ˈta.na/
      "A strong tree."

6. Adverbs

  • Adverbs precede verbs or appear at the end of sentences for emphasis.
    • Example:
      Na sori shanda maji.
      /na ˈso.ri ˈʃan.da ˈma.ji/
      "Trade water at dawn."

7. Prepositions

Prepositions come before their objects:

  • na /na/ – at/in/on

  • zi /zi/ – to

  • ta /ta/ – under

  • su /su/ – with

  • Example:
    Mi shanda maji su muru.
    /mi ˈʃan.da ˈma.ji su ˈmu.ru/
    "We trade water with friends."

8. Questions

Questions are formed by intonation or with the particle ke /ke/ at the end of the sentence.

  • Example:
    Zi shanda maji ke?
    /zi ˈʃan.da ˈma.ji ke/
    "Do you trade water?"

9. Word Formation

Derivation

  • Nouns → Verbs: Add the suffix -ka.
    • hanaŋa (tree) → hanaŋaka (to plant a tree)
  • Verbs → Nouns: Add the prefix ta-.
    • shanda (to trade) → tashanda (trade)

Compounds

Words are combined to create new meanings.

  • Example:
    Maji'ŋokado
    /ˈma.ji ˈŋo.ka.do/
    "Water veins" (streams or rivers)

10. Syntax and Emphasis

  • Word order changes for emphasis:
    • Normal: Mi shanda maji.
      /mi ˈʃan.da ˈma.ji/
      "We trade water."
    • Emphasized: Maji mi shanda.
      /ˈma.ji mi ˈʃan.da/
      "It is water that we trade."

Example Sentence Analysis

Duskaran:
Na han.ga.daŋa mi ngaŋga ta manga han.ga.
/na ˌhan.gaˈda.ŋa mi ˈŋaŋ.ga ta ˈmaŋ.ga ˈhan.ga/
"At the edge of twilight, we gather under the great wind."

  • na – at
  • hanga-daŋa – twilight edge (compound noun)
  • mi – we
  • ngaŋga – gather
  • ta – under
  • manga hanga – great wind (noun + modifier)
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