Suwáá: Difference between revisions
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humans > infants/big animals > midsize animals > small animals > insects > natural forces > inanimate objects/plants > abstractions | humans > infants/big animals > midsize animals > small animals > insects > natural forces > inanimate objects/plants > abstractions | ||
Generally, the most animate noun in a sentence must occur first while the noun with lesser animacy occurs second. If both nouns are equal in animacy, then either noun can occur in the first position. So, both example sentences (1) and (2) are correct. The n- prefix on the verb indicates that the 1st noun is the subject and i- indicates that the 2nd noun is the subject. | Generally, the most animate noun in a sentence must occur first while the noun with lesser animacy occurs second. If both nouns are equal in animacy, then either noun can occur in the first position. So, both example sentences (1) and (2) are correct. The ''n-'' prefix on the verb indicates that the 1st noun is the subject and ''i-'' indicates that the 2nd noun is the subject. | ||
: ''Upwe unɛń nzoo.'' (1) | : ''Upwe unɛń nzoo.'' (1) | ||