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{{TOC right}}
{{privatelang}}
{{Infobox language
|image=Riagi.png
|imagesize=250px
|name=Riagi
|nativename=Rīagi
|pronunciation=ˈɾiːaɰi
|speakers=?
|date=2014
|familycolor=Tai-Kadai
|scripts= * [[w:Latin script|Latin]]
* [[Riagi#Writing system|Native]]
|clcr=qrr
|notice=IPA
|creator = User:MIGUELbM
}}
==Introduction==
'''Riagi''' is an a priori constructed language designed to be the mother-tongue and language-of-the-gods in the constructed fantasy world of Aokae. The language is widely used throughout the world in rituals and scriptures and to communicate with powerful spirits and gods. Even though it has no native speakers, it is believed to have been the first language to be spoken and most languages in the world are derived either directly or indirectly from it.


<!--
Its phonology is inspired by the descriptions of the Eloi language given in the book of The Time Machine and by Polynesian languages such as Maori and Hawaiian, likewise, the script it uses is vaguely derived from the Rongorongo inscription found in Easter Island and by Javanese and its parent Old Kawi.


This is a short reminder of the language format policy.
Its grammar is not directly derived from any one language, instead is a mix of grammatical features meant to give it a unique feel. It’s a language focused on the reasons behind actions and their context rather than in actions themselves.


I. Write a short piece stating your intents and purposes when creating the language (Design goal, inspiration, ideas, and so on).
==Phonology==
II. Write a short introduction to your language. (Who speaks it? When was it created? By whom? or what? are some example questions that can be answered here)
Even though Riagi does not have a large amount of different sounds, it compensates for it by distinguishing between long and short vowels and long and short stops changing the amount of phonemes from 13 consonants and 5 vowels to 16 consonants and 10 vowels.
III. Once done, try making sure everything is properly spelt so as to avoid unnecessary reader fatigue.
 
-->
 
The concept behind '''Rjargi''' is to make a somewhat naturalistic language that places a heavy emphasis on the reasons behind actions and the relations between it's arguments. While at the same time establishing different way of communicating in a formal manner that centers on indirect, indefinite and generic ways of talking.
==Background==
 
<!-- Design goals, inspiration, ideas, who speaks it?, when was it created?, where does it come from?, any peculiarities? -->
 
<!-- Example categories/headings:
 
Goals
Setting
Inspiration
 
-->
 
<!-- ***Phonology*** -->
<!-- What sounds does your language use? -->
<!-- Here are some example sub-/other categories:
 
Vowel inventory
Consonant inventory
Syllable structure
Stress
Intonation


-->
==Phonology==
===Consonants===
===Consonants===
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="bluetable lightbluebg" style="text-align:center;"
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="bluetable lightbluebg" style="text-align:center;"
Line 42: Line 31:
!  style="width: 100px;" | '''Labial'''  
!  style="width: 100px;" | '''Labial'''  
!  style="width: 100px;" | '''Alveolar'''  
!  style="width: 100px;" | '''Alveolar'''  
!  style="width: 100px;" | '''Post-alveolar'''  
!  style="width: 100px;" | '''Palatal'''  
!  style="width: 100px;" | '''Velar'''
!  style="width: 100px;" | '''Velar'''
!  style="width: 100px;" | '''Glottal'''
|-
|-
! '''Nasal'''  
! '''Nasal'''  
| /m/  
| /m/
| /n/  
| /n/
| -  
| -
| /ŋ/
| /ŋ/
| -
|-
|-
! '''Stop'''  
! '''Stop'''  
| /p/ /b/  
| /p pː/
| /t/ /d/  
| /t tː/
| -  
| -
| /k/ /g/
| /k kː/
| /ʔ/
|-
|-
! '''Fricative'''  
! '''Fricative'''  
| /ɸ/  
| colspan="2" | /f/ ~ /ʃ/
| /s/
| -
| /ʒ/ /ʃ/
| -
| -
| -
|-
! '''Approximant'''
| colspan="2" | /β/ ~ /ð/
| /j/
| /ɰ/
| /h/
|-
|-
! '''Flap'''  
! '''Flap'''  
| -  
| -  
| colspan="2" | /ɾ/  
| /ɾ/
| -
| -
| -
| -
|}
|}
Riagi has a wide range of free variation, the labio-alveolar voiceless fricative, being the only fricative in the inventory, has free variation between [ɸ], [f], [θ], [s] and [ʃ]. Similarly, the labio-alveolar voiced approximant has free variation between [β], [ʋ] and [ð]. And because Riagi has no voiced fricatives of any sort, all voiced approximants can be 'correctly' pronounced as their voiced fricatives equivalents.
==== ''Gemination'' ====
Phonemic gemination is only found in Riagi in the voiceless stops /p/, /t/ and /k/.


===Vowels===
===Vowels===
Line 77: Line 82:
|-
|-
! '''Close'''
! '''Close'''
| /i/  
| /i iː/
| /u/
| /u uː/
|-
|-
! '''Close-mid'''  
! '''Close-mid'''  
| /e/  
| /e eː/
| /o/
| /o oː/
|-
|-
! '''Open'''  
! '''Open'''  
| /a/  
| /a aː/
| /ɒ/
| -
|}
|}
====''Long vowels''====
Unlike consonants, vowel elongation is found in all vowels


===Phonotactics===
====''Diphthongs''====
<!-- Explain the consonant clusters and vowel clusters that are permissible for use in the language. For example, "st" is an allowed consonant cluster in English while onset "ng" isn't. -->
Short diphthongs are formed by a central or back vowel followed by an equal or closer vowel: /ae/, /ao/, /ai/, /au/, /oe/, /oi/, /ou/, /ui/
Below are the phonotactic constraints for Rjali


Characters between parenthesis are optional
Long diphthongs are formed by a long vowel followed by /a/: /eːa/, /oːa/, /iːa/, /uːa/


In no situation does /j/ follow a /w/
===Phonotactics===
The syllable structure in Riagi is quite simple, it consists of an optional onset consonant followed by a vowel or diphthong, or (C)V(V).


====Initial Syllables====
===Stress===
(C)(j)V
Riagi has a predictable stress that falls on the penultimate syllable, irregular words (often loanwords) have their stressed syllable marked by an acute diacritic on the last vowel.


Where C stands for single consonants and clusters
=== Romanization ===
The following romanization is going to be used throughout the article
* /m/ → {{angbr|m}}
* /n/ → {{angbr|n}}
* /ŋ/ → {{angbr|ng}}
* /p/ → {{angbr|p}}
* /pː/ → {{angbr|pp}}
* /t/ → {{angbr|t}}
* /tː/ → {{angbr|tt}}
* /k/ → {{angbr|k}}
* /kː/ → {{angbr|kk}}
* /ʔ/ → {{angbr| ' }}
* /f/ ~ /ʃ/ → {{angbr|s}}
* /β/ ~ /ð/ → {{angbr|v}}
* /j/ → {{angbr|j}}
* /ɰ/ → {{angbr|g}}
* /h/ → {{angbr|h}}
* /r/ → {{angbr|r}}
* /a/ → {{angbr|a}}
* /aː/ → {{angbr|ä, ā}}
* /e/ → {{angbr|e}}
* /eː/ → {{angbr|ë, ē}}
* /i/ → {{angbr|i}}
* /iː/ → {{angbr|ï, ī}}
* /o/ → {{angbr|o}}
* /oː/ → {{angbr|ö, ō}}
* /u/ → {{angbr|u}}
* /uː/ → {{angbr|ü, ū}}


V stands for any vowel
==Morphology==
Riagi is a predominantly agglutinative language with a fair share of fusion.


Initial consonants allowed: /p t k b d g ɾ s w/
Glossing abbreviations are found next to their respective terms and within parenthesis. Morphemes not found in tables are in bold text.
 
===Nouns===
Initial clusters allowed: /sp st sk bɾ dɾ gɾ/
The affix positions are the following: <tt>NOUN.case.obviative.number</tt>
 
==== ''Cases'' ====
====Medial Syllables====
* Nominative ({{smallcaps|nom}}) '''Ø'''
C(j)V
*: Marks the agent, the entity which performs the action
 
* Absolutive ({{smallcaps|abs}}) '''-o'''
Where C stands for single consonants and clusters
*: Marks the patient or theme, that is the entity that undergoes the action
 
*Instrumental ({{smallcaps|ins}}) '''-oe'''
V stands for any vowel
*: Marks the instrument or entity with which the action was carried out, this can be a tool or a person.
 
*Locative ({{smallcaps|loc}}) '''-ae'''
Medial consonants allowed: /m n ŋ p t k b d g ɸ s x ʃ ʒ ɾ w/
*: Marks the location or time at which the action was performed
 
*Benefactive ({{smallcaps|ben}}) '''-a'''
Medial clusters allowed:
*: Marks the entity for whose benefit the action occurs, this includes recipients with verbs that express change of possession
 
*Origative ({{smallcaps|ori}}) '''-ti'''
* Any stop followed by /ɾ/
*: Marks the place, time, motive or cause from which the action originated, it also acts as a possessive.
* /s/ followed by any consonant except itself. /st sn sɸ/
*Metative ({{smallcaps|met}}) '''-mi'''
* /ɾ/ followed by any consonant except itself. /ɾm ɾk ɾʃ/
*: Marks the direction, purpose or objective towards which the action aims
* /m n ŋ/ followed by an equally articulated or more frontal non-nasal, non-flapped consonant. /mp ŋs nd/
 
====Final Syllables====
C<sub>1</sub>(j)V(C<sub>2</sub>)
 
Where C stands for single consonants and clusters
 
V stands for any vowel
 
Final consonants allowed: /m n ŋ s x ɸ ʃ ɾ/
 
Final consonant clusters allowed: /ɾb ɾd ɾg/
 
====Single Syllable====
(C<sub>1</sub>)(j)V(C<sub>2</sub>)
 
Where C<sub>1</sub> stands for initial consonants and clusters
 
C<sub>2</sub> stands for final consonants and clusters
 
V stands for any vowel
 
===Sample words===


{{col-begin}}
==== ''Obviative'' ====
{{col-break}}
Riagi has three levels of obviative/proximate distinctions
ɒwu, wɒɾpagɾa, ɾo, uʒom, gɾɒs, skon, kawun, skuxeɾtaɾb, stoɾb, awus, goɾd, egox, skɒssaɾkun, usun, kjosaŋ, bɒwasʃiŋ, skɒr, kuɾgoʃ, gɾowam, wupoŋ, ɒdoʃ, skeɸ, waso, osʃiŋ, patam, stɒ, pɒs, pis, stakopɒm, kɒs, ɒɾuɾnɒ, gɒɸam, owegɾoɸ, spam, eɾb, stewun, spjɒɾoʃ, tjɒs, owox, ɾas, wutɒs, dɾo, keɾb, skaŋ, pesom, skjas, toɸ, spiɾdɒgem, ben, aŋ, sta, aseʃ, wiwaŋɒ, gɾa, di, aɾuɾtoŋ, wɒwoɸ, spur, gju, wawax, spjiɾg, ɒʒosom, ɒbaʃuŋ, skastaŋ, skɒkem, uʒowɒɸ, oŋonʃuɾb, kjis,  
*Proximate '''-Ø'''
{{col-break}}
*:The most salient or proximate entity, unmarked
skjaɸ, skupuwu, kɒma, oʃ, skiwa, kjeɾd, aso, stos, kor, odoɾd, ogabɾaʃ, ko, ade, dɒ, akasaɾb, da, kuɸaɾb, spjuŋ, es, skeku, toŋ, wowɒsu, tɒɾg, ɾasŋuɾkas, kɒwi, spjakoŋ, owoɾɸas, keŋɒ, spuɾg, skudotas, esaʃ, sonoŋ, osigɾaɾd, ste, spuɾso, wɒɾbɒɾb, waku, stɒduteŋ, tigiwuŋ, wowuwuŋ, stɒɾg, buxax, kiŋ, gjes, skex, subeŋ, skeŋsaŋɒr, kekɒkɾiɾg, ɒwuɾg, ɒwim, pam, ɾjaɾg, stom, spaɸ, spagewoɾg, skoŋ, tonawaŋ, bɾɒɾd, otɾeɾd, sɒɾsox, kaɾtoɸ, stodɾɒm,
*Obviative ({{smallcaps|obv}}) '''-ge'''
{{col-break}}
*:The obviative marks a less salient entity
gom, aɾd, skuŋ, skɒsoɾɒʃ, skasaɾɒɾg, agum, peʃ, diku, sɒɾmɒɾpaʃ, stuŋ, skepos, peɸ, agur, baɾg, tɒgiʒaŋ, gɾan, utaɾga, pewon, uwam, gɾeɾg, upa, atekɾa, tokobum, wɒʃasɒɾd, kus, asmegoɾb, eʃoɾd, towas, wuwe, bɒɸ, ɾjodɾaʃ, staɾus, skjabɾiɾb, skekus, doɾnosɒ, dan, ɒʃ, ɾadeboŋ, skɒɾkubon, ɒwɒbɾaʃ, oɾsesɒɾg, ɾɒʃ, djakaʃaʃ, as, wuŋɒtɒm, skis, wessom, stas, sor, osbɒgɾa, dɾjɒmeɸ, spissateɸ, gɒtowaɾg, wunaʒaʃ, ɾjos, dɒx, atɒŋ, oŋ, oɾɸɒ, ɾitus, kɒwan, wɒsoŋ, ɾɒtɾubɾo.
*Further Obviative ({{smallcaps|fobv}}) '''-gē'''
{{col-end}}
*:The further obviative mark is much less common, it marks an entity less salient than an obviative


==Morphophonology==
==== ''Number'' ====
==Allophony==
Riagi has number marking for both count and mass nouns. Number is marked after cases.
==Syntax==
*Singular ({{smallcaps|sg}}) '''-Ø'''
===Word Order===
*:The singular form is the default number for count nouns, it indicates a single element (i.e. A pen. A book)
The general word order in Rjali depends on the definiteness of the nouns in the sentence, nouns precede the verb if they are definite and they follow the verb if they are indefinite. The subject goes before the object whenever possible.
*Singulative ({{smallcaps|svg}}) '''-'e'''
====Noun Phrase====
*:The singulative form marks a single unit of a mass noun, the unit is culturally and contextually determined (i.e. A drop of water. A grain of salt)
====Verb Phrase====
*Collective ({{smallcaps|col}}) '''-Ø'''
====Adposition Phrase====
*:The collective form is the default number for mass nouns (i.e. Water. Salt)
====Adjective Phrase====
*Plural or Plurative ({{smallcaps|pl}}) '''-'o'''
====Adverb Phrase====
*:The plural or plurative form marks both a group of countable nouns and a group of mass nouns (i.e. Pens. Books. Waters. Salts)
==Morphology==
===Verbs===
In Rjali, verbs are inflected for Tense, Mood and Polarity. Aspect and more more complex moods can be achieved by inflecting the agent for tense and an extra mood. When a noun is inflected for tense, this determines the frame of reference of the sentence while the tense in the verb indicates the Aspect.


==== Tense and Aspect ====
==== ''Pronouns'' ====
Below there is a table with the tense combinations to create the different aspects
=====Personal=====
{|  border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="bluetable lightbluebg" style="text-align:center;"
{|  border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="bluetable lightbluebg" style="text-align:center;"
|-
|-
!  
! colspan="2" | First Person (1)
! colspan="5" | '''Agent'''
! colspan="2" | Dual Person (D)
! colspan="2" | Second Person (2)
! colspan="2" | Third Person (3)
|-
|-
! rowspan="5" style="width: 80px;" | '''Verb'''
! style="width: 80px;" | Singular
! style="width: 120px;" |  
! style="width: 80px;" | Plural
! style="width: 150px;" | '''None'''
! style="width: 80px;" | Singular
! style="width: 150px;" | '''Past'''
! style="width: 80px;" | Plural
! style="width: 150px;" | '''Present'''
! style="width: 80px;" | Singular
! style="width: 150px;" | '''Future'''
! style="width: 80px;" | Plural
! style="width: 80px;" | Singular
! style="width: 80px;" | Plural
|-
|-
! '''None'''
| ē
| Gnomic
| ō
| Past Habitual
| na
| Present Habitual
| nao
| Future Habitual
| sa
| sano
| rage
| rago
|-
|-
! '''Past'''
! colspan="4" | Fourth Person (4)
| Past Perfective
! colspan="4" | Fifth Person (5)
| Past Retrospective
| Present Retrospective
| Future Retrospective
|-
|-
! '''Present'''
! colspan="2" | Singular
| Present Perfective
! colspan="2" | Plural
| Past Progressive
! colspan="2" | Singular
| Present Progressive
! colspan="2" | Plural
| Future Progressive
|-
|-
! '''Future'''  
| colspan="2" | nae
| Future Perfective
| colspan="2" | nae'o
| Past Prospective
| colspan="2" | re
| Present Prospective
| colspan="2" | re'o
| Future Prospective
|-
! colspan="8" | Zero Person (0)
|-
! colspan="4" | Singular
! colspan="4" | Plural
|-
| colspan="4" | anga
| colspan="4" | anga'o
|}
|}
* The First person plural is exclusive
* The Dual person singular indicates both the Speaker and the Addressee
* The Dual person Plural is an inclusive version of the first person plural
* The Fourth person is an indefinite category that encompasses First and Dual persons. ''"These ones think so" (referring to themselves)''
* The Fifth person is similar to the fourth but covers Second and Third persons.
* The Zero person is a completely generic category. ''"One could say so"''


==== Verb Moods ====
=====Impersonal=====
Verb inflected moods indicate evidentiality and internal factors such as willingness and desire.
For non-humans, the pronoun '''aja''' is used


===== Internal =====
=== Verbs ===
* A - The action is completely accidental, out of the causer's control. "I slipped and made him fall".
The affix positions are the following: <tt>tense-aspect.VERB.mood.negation</tt>
* B - The action is not accidental but it's consequences were not intended. "I pushed him but didn't thought he would fall".
==== ''Tense'' ====
* C - The action is not accidental, it's consequences intended but not desired. "I pushed him so he would fall, but I regret it" or "it was on the heat of the moment".
Rjargi has four tenses:
* D - Both the action and it's consequences are intended and purposeful. "I pushed him because I wanted to".
*Past ({{smallcaps|pst}})
* E - The action and it's consequences are either planned or hoped for. "I went there to push him".
*:Sets the reference time of the action in the past
*Present ({{smallcaps|prs}})
*:Sets the reference time of the action in the present
*Future ({{smallcaps|fut}})
*:Sets the reference time of the action in the future
*Gnomic ({{smallcaps|gno}})
*:Does not limit the reference time of the action to a specific time


===== Evidentiality =====
==== ''Aspect'' ====
* I - Indicates evidence against the verb.
Rjargi has five aspects:
* II - Indicates lack of evidence.
*Perfective ({{smallcaps|pfv}})
* III - Indicates indirect evidence or hearsay.
*:Describes the action as a whole or without interior composition
* IV - Indicates witnessing or direct evidence in past tense.
*Retrospective ({{smallcaps|ret}})
 
*:Describes an action that took place before the frame of reference
====Polarity====
*Continuous ({{smallcaps|cont}})
* Positive - It is the default polarity and it is unmarked.
*:Describes an action taking place within the frame of reference
* Negative - It negates the verb.
*Prospective ({{smallcaps|prosp}})
 
*:Describes an action expected or taking place in the future of the frame of reference
==== Conjugation ====
*Habitual ({{smallcaps|hab}})
Verbs and nouns are conjugated by adding a prefix which encodes tense, mood and polarity.
*:Describes an action that takes place regularly within the reference time
 
The prefix is structure is the following:
 
V<sub>1.</sub>C.(j).V<sub>2</sub>-Root.
 
Where:
* V<sub>1 </sub>Marks the Tense.
** a- indicates Past tense.
** e- indicates Present tense.
** i- indicates Future tense.
** an omitted vowel marks no tense.
* C Marks the Internal or External mood.
** -p- indicates the A mood.
** -b- indicates the B mood.
** -t- indicates the C mood.
** -g- indicates the D mood.
** -k- indicates the E mood.
** -r- or -s- indicate no mood.
* -j- if present, indicates negative polarity.
* V<sub>2</sub> Marks Evidentiality or Probability.
** -e- indicates the I mood.
** -a- indicates the II mood.
** -ɒ- indicates the III mood.
** -o- indicates the IV mood.
** -u- indicates no mood.
 
===Nouns===
Nouns in Rjiali have the feature that they don't only inflect for cases, they can also inflect for tense and mood.
 
====Noun Moods====
Noun inflected moods indicate Probability and external factors such as permission and obligation.


==== ''Tense-Aspect Affixes'' ====
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="bluetable lightbluebg" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! style="width:120px;" colspan="2" rowspan="2" |
! style="width:90px;" | Perfective
! style="width:90px;" | Retrospective
! style="width:90px;" | Continuous
! style="width:90px;" | Prospective
! style="width:90px;" | Habitual
|-
! a
! i
! ao
! ae
! u
|-
! Past
! style="width:40px;" | r
| ra-
| ri-
| rao-
| rae-
| ru-
|-
! Present
! Ø
| Ø
| i-
| ao-
| ae-
| u-
|-
! Future
! kk
| kka-
| kki-
| kkao-
| kkae-
| kku-
|-
! Gnomic
! m
| ma-
| mi-
| mao-
| mae-
| mu-
|}
==== ''Mood'' ====
Moods are divided in External, Internal and Evidential
===== External =====
===== External =====
* A - The action is permitted or allowed. "You may go".
*Permissive ({{smallcaps|prm}}) '''-tou'''
* B - The action is requested or suggested. "You should go".
*:Used to express permission
* C - The action is expected or imposed. "You are supposed to go".
*Requisitive ({{smallcaps|req}}) '''-nēa'''
* D - The action is compulsory or required. "You must go".
*:Used to express requests or suggestions
* E - The action is obligatory or needed. "You ''really must ''go".
*Compulsory ({{smallcaps|cls}}) '''-po'''
*:Used to express orders and commands
*Impositive ({{smallcaps|ims}}) '''-se'''
*:Used to express expectations or imposed actions
===== Internal =====
*Promissory ({{smallcaps|pms}}) '''-ga'''
*:Used to express for promises oaths or threats
*Desiderative ({{smallcaps|des}}) '''-si'''
*:Used to express willingness or intent
*Aspirative ({{smallcaps|asp}}) '''-joe'''
*:Used to express hopes, fears or wishes
*Necessitative ({{smallcaps|nec}}) '''-no'''
*:Used to express needs or obligations
===== Evidential =====
*Factual ({{smallcaps|fac}}) '''-ve'e'''
*:Indicates the certainty of the action
*Probable ({{smallcaps|pbl}}) '''-va'''
*:Indicates the likelihood of the action
*Improbable ({{smallcaps|ipb}}) '''-hā'''
*:Indicates the unlikelihood of the action
*Potential ({{smallcaps|ptn}}) '''-tao'''
*:Indicates the possibility of the action, regardless of it's likelihood


===== Probability =====
==== ''Negation'' ====
* I - The action is certain not to happen.
Negation is done through the affix '''-hīa''' placed at the end of a verb or coverb
* II - The action is possible.
* III - The action is likely.
* IV - The action is almost certain.


==== Polarity ====
==== ''Coverbs'' ====
* Positive - It is the default polarity and it is unmarked.
Coverbs are words used in serial verb constructions, they are placed after the main verb and take inflections when the main verb can't or shouldn't because it's already fully inflected or it's meaning requires it that way.  
* Negative - It inverts the external mood.
Two coverbs exist in Riagi
*'''Aono'''
*:Used as a coverb of stative verbs
*'''Hare'''
*:Used as coverb of dynamic verbs


==== Conjugation ====
===Determiners===
Noun conjugation functions the same as verb's.
====''Pro-forms''====
==== Noun Cases ====
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="bluetable lightbluebg" style="text-align:center;"
There are three levels of cases for nouns in Rjali. The Argument Cases which determine which role does the noun perform in the sentence, the Thematic Cases which dictate the thematic relations between the nouns and the verb and the Proximity Cases which mark less salient objects to avoid ambiguity in formal talk.
|-
 
! style="width:100px;" rowspan="2" |
===== Argument Cases =====
! style="width:80px;" rowspan="2" | Interrogative
* The Nominative ({{smallcaps|nom}}) case marks the Agent. When Agents are marked with thematic cases these are understood to be reflexive, i.e. the agent acts on itself.
! colspan="2" | Demonstrative
* The Absolutive ({{smallcaps|abs}}) case marks the Direct Object. When the direct object takes thematic cases it is to show the relation with the agent and the verb.
! colspan="5" | Quantifier
* The Dative ({{smallcaps|dat}}) case marks the Indirect Object(s). When indirect objects take thematic cases it is to show secondary relations with the agent and the verb.
|-
 
! style="width:80px;" | Proximal
===== Thematic Cases =====
! style="width:80px;" | Distal
*The Patientive ({{smallcaps|pat}}) case marks the Patient, Theme and/or Experiencer.
! style="width:80px;" | Universal
*The Instrumental ({{smallcaps|ins}}) case marks the Instrument or Sociate.
! style="width:80px;" | Existential
*The Locative ({{smallcaps|loc}}) case marks the Location, Time and means of transportation.
! style="width:80px;" | Elective
*The Benefactive ({{smallcaps|ben}}) case marks the Beneficiary or Recipient.
! style="width:80px;" | Alternate
*The Origative ({{smallcaps|ori}}) case marks Origin or Source and Cause.
! style="width:80px;" | Negative
*The Metative ({{smallcaps|met}}) case marks Goal or Direction and Purpose.
|-
 
! Personal
===== Proximity Cases =====
| ta'e
*The Obviative ({{smallcaps|obv}}) case indicates a noun that is less salient than others in a given context.
| ta (sg)<br />tao (pl)
*The Further Obviative ({{smallcaps|fobv}}) case indicates an even less salient noun than obviative.
| tare (sg)<br />taro (pl)
 
| tauma
==== Noun numbers ====
| ta'ota
* Singular - Indicates a single object.
| ta'ina
* Singulative - Indicates a single object of a mass noun. ''One grain of rice''
| rowspan="2" | hōvi
* Plural - Indicates multiple objects.
| rowspan="2" | ho'i
 
|-
==== Declension ====
! Impersonal
Noun declension is marked on a suffix.
| ho'e
 
| ho (sg)<br />ho'o (pl)
The suffix structure is the following:
| hore (sg)<br />horo (pl)
| houma
| ho'ota
| ho'ina
|-
! Place
| kko'e
| kko
| kkore
| rowspan="2" | kkouma
| rowspan="2" | kko'ota
| rowspan="2" | kko'ina
| rowspan="2" | ngōvi
| rowspan="2" | ngo'i
|-
! Time
| ngo'e
| ngo
| ngore
|-
! Manner
| moi'e
| colspan="2" | moi
| -
| moi'ota
| -
| -
| -
|-
! Origin, Quality
| gi'e
| colspan="2" | gi
| -
| gi'ota
| -
| -
| -
|-
! Goal, Reason
| gui'e
| colspan="2" | gui
| -
| gui'ota
| -
| -
| -
|}


Root-C.(j,Vw).V.rC
====''Genitives''====
 
=====Personal=====
Where:
Personal forms are used for human animates
* C marks the Thematic case
** -d- marks the Patientive case.
** -ʃ- marks the Instrumental case.
** -m- marks the Locative case-
** -k- Marks the Benefactive case
** -x- Marks the Origative case
** -ʒ- marks the Metative case.
* Proximity:
** -j- marks the Obviative.
** -w- with a previous duplicated vowel to accompany it marks the Further Obviative.
** The lack of a semivowel marks the Proximate.
* V marks the Number.
** -a- indicates the Singular.
** -ɒ- indicates the Singulative.
** -i- or -e- when preceeded by /j/ indicates the Plural.
* rC marks the Argument case.
** the nominative is unmarked.
** -rg marks the Absolutive case.
** -rd marks the Dative case.
==== Pronouns ====
{|  border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="bluetable lightbluebg" style="text-align:center;"
{|  border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="bluetable lightbluebg" style="text-align:center;"
|-
|-
! colspan="2" | First Person  
! colspan="2" | First Person (1)
! colspan="2" | Dual Person  
! colspan="2" | Dual Person (D)
! colspan="2" | Second Person  
! colspan="2" | Second Person (2)
! colspan="2" | Third Person  
! colspan="2" | Third Person (3)
|-
|-
! style="width: 80px;" | Singular
! style="width: 80px;" | Singular
Line 350: Line 448:
! style="width: 80px;" | Plural
! style="width: 80px;" | Plural
|-
|-
| -
| aee
| -
| aoo
| -
| naīa
| -
| najo
| -
| saīa
| -
| sajo
| -
| raje
| -
| rajo
|-
|-
! colspan="4" | Fourth Person
! colspan="4" | Fourth Person (4)
! colspan="4" | Fifth Person
! colspan="4" | Fifth Person (5)
|-
|-
! colspan="2" | Singular
! colspan="2" | Singular
Line 367: Line 465:
! colspan="2" | Plural
! colspan="2" | Plural
|-
|-
| colspan="2" | -
| colspan="2" | nāe
| colspan="2" | -
| colspan="2" | nāe'o
| colspan="2" | -
| colspan="2" | are
| colspan="2" | -
| colspan="2" | are'o
|-
|-
! colspan="8" | Zero Person
! colspan="8" | Zero Person (0)
|-
|-
! colspan="4" | Singular
! colspan="4" | Singular
! colspan="4" | Plural
! colspan="4" | Plural
|-
|-
| colspan="4" | -
| colspan="4" | angīa
| colspan="4" | -
| colspan="4" | angīa'o
|}
|}
=====Impersonal=====
For inanimates places and abstract nouns the determiner '''āja''' is used


===Conjunctions===
==== ''Coordinating conjunctions'' ====
*Cumulative
**''''a''' - Presents a non-contrasting idea
**''''ai''' - Presents a non-contrasting negative idea
*Adversative
**'''seno''' - Presents a contrasting idea
*Alternative
**'''no''' - Presents an alternative
*Illative
**'''mani''' - Presents a cause
**'''pui''' - Presents a consequence
*Explanative
**'''sōto''' - Presents an explanation


* The First person plural is exclusive
==== ''Subordinating conjunctions'' ====
* The Dual person singular indicates both the Speaker and the Addressee
* The Dual person Plural is an inclusive version of the first person plural
* The Fourth person is an indefinite category that encompasses First and Dual persons. ''"These ones think so" (referring to themselves)''
* The Fifth person is similar to the fourth but covers Second and Third persons.
* The Zero person is a completely generic category. ''"One could say so"''


==== Determiners ====
===Particles===
====''Reference markers''====
Reference markers are verb-like copulas that can take an object and a referenced argument as their subject for the purpose of building subordinate clauses. But unlike verbs, they cannot be conjugated and their word structure is strictly VO with the subject implicit in the particle.
*Subject reference marker ({{smallcaps|srm}}) '''vāe'''
*:References the subject of it's supraordinating clause as its subject
*Object reference marker ({{smallcaps|orm}}) '''vāte'''
*:References the object of it's supraordinating clause as its subject
*Indirect object reference marker ({{smallcaps|irm}}) '''vāme'''
*:References the indirect object of it's supraordinating clause as its subject


===Conjunctions===
===Adpositions===
===Adjectives===
===Adverbs===
===Numerals===
===Numerals===
Riagi uses a base-20 numeric system (similar to the mayan numerals)
== Syntax ==
{{construction}}
For syntax samples see [[Riagi/Sample_sentences|sample sentences]]
=== Word order ===
The Subject goes before the object whenever possible, indefinite arguments are placed before the verb, definite arguments after, possible word orders are:
*VSO - Both arguments are definite
*SVO - Subject is indefinite and object is definite
*OVS - Object is indefinite and subject is definite
*SOV - Both arguments are indefinite
Indirect objects are placed after the subject and object whenever possible.
==== ''Verbs'' ====
*'''Verb'''
**Coverb
**Adverb
==== ''Nouns'' ====
:*Determiner
:*Adposition
*'''Noun'''
**Adjective
==== ''Adverbs'' ====
Adverbs modify the preceding word, meaning that they automatically nest, in order to have multiple adverbs modifying the same word a coordinating conjunction is needed.
*Head
**'''Adverb'''
***'''Adverb'''
**Conjunction
**'''Adverb'''
==== ''Adjectives'' ====
Since adverbs and adjectives can be used interchangeably trough zero derivation, in order to avoid their nesting and adverbalization, multiple adjectives need a coordinating conjunction between them.
*Noun
**'''Adjective'''
***Adverb
**Conjunction
**'''Adjective'''
=== Clauses ===
==== ''Declarative'' ====
Declarative clauses are 'normal' and their syntax has been explained above
==== ''Interrogative'' ====
===== Polar questions =====
Polar questions, also known as yes-no questions are formed by adding the main verb at the end of the question, but in inverted polarity, this means, when the main verb is positive it is added in negative form and when it is negative it is added in normal form, this is similar to english tag questions.
*PST.PFV.fly away bird.NOM, PST.PFV.fly.N ("The bird flew away, didn't it?"; literally "The bird flew away, flew not?")
These questions are answered by the questioned verb in the correct polarity, followed by any pertinent information.
*PST.PFV.fly ("it flew"; literally "flew")
*PST.PFV.fly.N ("it didn't fly"; literally "flew not")
===== Non-polar questions =====
Non-polar questions are formed by replacing the questioned element by its respective interrogative determiner, verbs have a special construction, needing a coverb before the determiner. These structures are similar to english echo questions.
#PST.PFV.fly away what ("what flew away?")
#PST.PFV.fly how bird.NOM ("the bird flew how?")
#PST.PFV.coverb what bird.NOM? ("the bird did what?")
These questions are answered by replacing the interrogative determiner with the proper information, alternatively, in informal environments, they can be answered just with the missing information
#PST.PFV.fly away bird.NOM ("the bird flew away") / bird.NOM ("the bird")
#PST.PFV.fly away bird.NOM ("the bird flew away") / away
#PST.PFV.fly away bird.NOM ("the bird flew away") / PST.PFV.fly away ("flew away")
While answer #2 would be considered 'dumb' or 'smartassy' in english, in Riagi it is the proper answer to what was asked. If the circumstances which allowed the bird to fly away are what are being asked, then the origin/reason interrogative determiner is used, which is translated to english as 'why', 'wherefrom' or 'whence'.
==== ''Exclamatory'' ====
==== ''Imperative'' ====
=== Transitivity ===
==== ''Valence increasing'' ====
===== Causative =====
===== Applicative =====
===== Benefactive =====
==== ''Valence decreasing'' ====
===== Passive voice =====
===== Antipassive =====
===== Reflexive =====
=== Coordination ===
=== Subordination ===
== Writing system ==
[[File:Riiagi-paakkameea.png|300px|thumb|right|"Rīagi pākkamēa" written in the Riagi alphabet]]
=== Alphabet ===
[[File:Riagi_consonants.png|300px|thumb|right|Consonants in IPA, romanization and native script]]
[[File:Riagi_vowels.png|300px|thumb|right|Vowels in IPA, romanization and native script]]


== Writing System ==
=== Orthography ===
=== Typography ===
== Lexicon ==
=== Derivation ===
==== Compounds ====
==== From Nouns ====
==== From Verbs ====
==== From Adforms ====
== Cultural usage of language ==
== See Also ==
* [[Riagi/Sample sentences|Sample sentences]]
* Lexicon
* Lessons


[[Category:Languages]][[Category:Conlangs]][[Category:A priori]]
[[Category:Languages]][[Category:Languages]][[Category:A priori]]

Latest revision as of 11:53, 6 July 2021


Riagi
Rīagi
Riagi.png
Pronunciation[ˈɾiːaɰi]
Created byMIGUELbM
Native speakers? (2014)
Language codes
CLCRqrr
This article contains IPA phonetic symbols. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Unicode characters. For an introductory guide on IPA symbols, see Help:IPA.

Introduction

Riagi is an a priori constructed language designed to be the mother-tongue and language-of-the-gods in the constructed fantasy world of Aokae. The language is widely used throughout the world in rituals and scriptures and to communicate with powerful spirits and gods. Even though it has no native speakers, it is believed to have been the first language to be spoken and most languages in the world are derived either directly or indirectly from it.

Its phonology is inspired by the descriptions of the Eloi language given in the book of The Time Machine and by Polynesian languages such as Maori and Hawaiian, likewise, the script it uses is vaguely derived from the Rongorongo inscription found in Easter Island and by Javanese and its parent Old Kawi.

Its grammar is not directly derived from any one language, instead is a mix of grammatical features meant to give it a unique feel. It’s a language focused on the reasons behind actions and their context rather than in actions themselves.

Phonology

Even though Riagi does not have a large amount of different sounds, it compensates for it by distinguishing between long and short vowels and long and short stops changing the amount of phonemes from 13 consonants and 5 vowels to 16 consonants and 10 vowels.

Consonants

Labial Alveolar Palatal Velar Glottal
Nasal /m/ /n/ - /ŋ/ -
Stop /p pː/ /t tː/ - /k kː/ /ʔ/
Fricative /f/ ~ /ʃ/ - - -
Approximant /β/ ~ /ð/ /j/ /ɰ/ /h/
Flap - /ɾ/ - - -

Riagi has a wide range of free variation, the labio-alveolar voiceless fricative, being the only fricative in the inventory, has free variation between [ɸ], [f], [θ], [s] and [ʃ]. Similarly, the labio-alveolar voiced approximant has free variation between [β], [ʋ] and [ð]. And because Riagi has no voiced fricatives of any sort, all voiced approximants can be 'correctly' pronounced as their voiced fricatives equivalents.

Gemination

Phonemic gemination is only found in Riagi in the voiceless stops /p/, /t/ and /k/.

Vowels

Front Back
Close /i iː/ /u uː/
Close-mid /e eː/ /o oː/
Open /a aː/ -

Long vowels

Unlike consonants, vowel elongation is found in all vowels

Diphthongs

Short diphthongs are formed by a central or back vowel followed by an equal or closer vowel: /ae/, /ao/, /ai/, /au/, /oe/, /oi/, /ou/, /ui/

Long diphthongs are formed by a long vowel followed by /a/: /eːa/, /oːa/, /iːa/, /uːa/

Phonotactics

The syllable structure in Riagi is quite simple, it consists of an optional onset consonant followed by a vowel or diphthong, or (C)V(V).

Stress

Riagi has a predictable stress that falls on the penultimate syllable, irregular words (often loanwords) have their stressed syllable marked by an acute diacritic on the last vowel.

Romanization

The following romanization is going to be used throughout the article

  • /m/ → ⟨m⟩
  • /n/ → ⟨n⟩
  • /ŋ/ → ⟨ng⟩
  • /p/ → ⟨p⟩
  • /pː/ → ⟨pp⟩
  • /t/ → ⟨t⟩
  • /tː/ → ⟨tt⟩
  • /k/ → ⟨k⟩
  • /kː/ → ⟨kk⟩
  • /ʔ/ → ⟨ ' ⟩
  • /f/ ~ /ʃ/ → ⟨s⟩
  • /β/ ~ /ð/ → ⟨v⟩
  • /j/ → ⟨j⟩
  • /ɰ/ → ⟨g⟩
  • /h/ → ⟨h⟩
  • /r/ → ⟨r⟩
  • /a/ → ⟨a⟩
  • /aː/ → ⟨ä, ā⟩
  • /e/ → ⟨e⟩
  • /eː/ → ⟨ë, ē⟩
  • /i/ → ⟨i⟩
  • /iː/ → ⟨ï, ī⟩
  • /o/ → ⟨o⟩
  • /oː/ → ⟨ö, ō⟩
  • /u/ → ⟨u⟩
  • /uː/ → ⟨ü, ū⟩

Morphology

Riagi is a predominantly agglutinative language with a fair share of fusion.

Glossing abbreviations are found next to their respective terms and within parenthesis. Morphemes not found in tables are in bold text.

Nouns

The affix positions are the following: NOUN.case.obviative.number

Cases

  • Nominative (nom) Ø
    Marks the agent, the entity which performs the action
  • Absolutive (abs) -o
    Marks the patient or theme, that is the entity that undergoes the action
  • Instrumental (ins) -oe
    Marks the instrument or entity with which the action was carried out, this can be a tool or a person.
  • Locative (loc) -ae
    Marks the location or time at which the action was performed
  • Benefactive (ben) -a
    Marks the entity for whose benefit the action occurs, this includes recipients with verbs that express change of possession
  • Origative (ori) -ti
    Marks the place, time, motive or cause from which the action originated, it also acts as a possessive.
  • Metative (met) -mi
    Marks the direction, purpose or objective towards which the action aims

Obviative

Riagi has three levels of obviative/proximate distinctions

  • Proximate -Ø
    The most salient or proximate entity, unmarked
  • Obviative (obv) -ge
    The obviative marks a less salient entity
  • Further Obviative (fobv) -gē
    The further obviative mark is much less common, it marks an entity less salient than an obviative

Number

Riagi has number marking for both count and mass nouns. Number is marked after cases.

  • Singular (sg) -Ø
    The singular form is the default number for count nouns, it indicates a single element (i.e. A pen. A book)
  • Singulative (svg) -'e
    The singulative form marks a single unit of a mass noun, the unit is culturally and contextually determined (i.e. A drop of water. A grain of salt)
  • Collective (col) -Ø
    The collective form is the default number for mass nouns (i.e. Water. Salt)
  • Plural or Plurative (pl) -'o
    The plural or plurative form marks both a group of countable nouns and a group of mass nouns (i.e. Pens. Books. Waters. Salts)

Pronouns

Personal
First Person (1) Dual Person (D) Second Person (2) Third Person (3)
Singular Plural Singular Plural Singular Plural Singular Plural
ē ō na nao sa sano rage rago
Fourth Person (4) Fifth Person (5)
Singular Plural Singular Plural
nae nae'o re re'o
Zero Person (0)
Singular Plural
anga anga'o
  • The First person plural is exclusive
  • The Dual person singular indicates both the Speaker and the Addressee
  • The Dual person Plural is an inclusive version of the first person plural
  • The Fourth person is an indefinite category that encompasses First and Dual persons. "These ones think so" (referring to themselves)
  • The Fifth person is similar to the fourth but covers Second and Third persons.
  • The Zero person is a completely generic category. "One could say so"
Impersonal

For non-humans, the pronoun aja is used

Verbs

The affix positions are the following: tense-aspect.VERB.mood.negation

Tense

Rjargi has four tenses:

  • Past (pst)
    Sets the reference time of the action in the past
  • Present (prs)
    Sets the reference time of the action in the present
  • Future (fut)
    Sets the reference time of the action in the future
  • Gnomic (gno)
    Does not limit the reference time of the action to a specific time

Aspect

Rjargi has five aspects:

  • Perfective (pfv)
    Describes the action as a whole or without interior composition
  • Retrospective (ret)
    Describes an action that took place before the frame of reference
  • Continuous (cont)
    Describes an action taking place within the frame of reference
  • Prospective (prosp)
    Describes an action expected or taking place in the future of the frame of reference
  • Habitual (hab)
    Describes an action that takes place regularly within the reference time

Tense-Aspect Affixes

Perfective Retrospective Continuous Prospective Habitual
a i ao ae u
Past r ra- ri- rao- rae- ru-
Present Ø Ø i- ao- ae- u-
Future kk kka- kki- kkao- kkae- kku-
Gnomic m ma- mi- mao- mae- mu-

Mood

Moods are divided in External, Internal and Evidential

External
  • Permissive (prm) -tou
    Used to express permission
  • Requisitive (req) -nēa
    Used to express requests or suggestions
  • Compulsory (cls) -po
    Used to express orders and commands
  • Impositive (ims) -se
    Used to express expectations or imposed actions
Internal
  • Promissory (pms) -ga
    Used to express for promises oaths or threats
  • Desiderative (des) -si
    Used to express willingness or intent
  • Aspirative (asp) -joe
    Used to express hopes, fears or wishes
  • Necessitative (nec) -no
    Used to express needs or obligations
Evidential
  • Factual (fac) -ve'e
    Indicates the certainty of the action
  • Probable (pbl) -va
    Indicates the likelihood of the action
  • Improbable (ipb) -hā
    Indicates the unlikelihood of the action
  • Potential (ptn) -tao
    Indicates the possibility of the action, regardless of it's likelihood

Negation

Negation is done through the affix -hīa placed at the end of a verb or coverb

Coverbs

Coverbs are words used in serial verb constructions, they are placed after the main verb and take inflections when the main verb can't or shouldn't because it's already fully inflected or it's meaning requires it that way. Two coverbs exist in Riagi

  • Aono
    Used as a coverb of stative verbs
  • Hare
    Used as coverb of dynamic verbs

Determiners

Pro-forms

Interrogative Demonstrative Quantifier
Proximal Distal Universal Existential Elective Alternate Negative
Personal ta'e ta (sg)
tao (pl) 		tare (sg)
taro (pl) 		tauma ta'ota ta'ina hōvi ho'i
Impersonal ho'e ho (sg)
ho'o (pl) 		hore (sg)
horo (pl) 		houma ho'ota ho'ina
Place kko'e kko kkore kkouma kko'ota kko'ina ngōvi ngo'i
Time ngo'e ngo ngore
Manner moi'e moi - moi'ota - - -
Origin, Quality gi'e gi - gi'ota - - -
Goal, Reason gui'e gui - gui'ota - - -

Genitives

Personal

Personal forms are used for human animates

First Person (1) Dual Person (D) Second Person (2) Third Person (3)
Singular Plural Singular Plural Singular Plural Singular Plural
aee aoo naīa najo saīa sajo raje rajo
Fourth Person (4) Fifth Person (5)
Singular Plural Singular Plural
nāe nāe'o are are'o
Zero Person (0)
Singular Plural
angīa angīa'o
Impersonal

For inanimates places and abstract nouns the determiner āja is used

Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions

  • Cumulative
    • 'a - Presents a non-contrasting idea
    • 'ai - Presents a non-contrasting negative idea
  • Adversative
    • seno - Presents a contrasting idea
  • Alternative
    • no - Presents an alternative
  • Illative
    • mani - Presents a cause
    • pui - Presents a consequence
  • Explanative
    • sōto - Presents an explanation

Subordinating conjunctions

Particles

Reference markers

Reference markers are verb-like copulas that can take an object and a referenced argument as their subject for the purpose of building subordinate clauses. But unlike verbs, they cannot be conjugated and their word structure is strictly VO with the subject implicit in the particle.

  • Subject reference marker (srm) vāe
    References the subject of it's supraordinating clause as its subject
  • Object reference marker (orm) vāte
    References the object of it's supraordinating clause as its subject
  • Indirect object reference marker (irm) vāme
    References the indirect object of it's supraordinating clause as its subject

Numerals

Riagi uses a base-20 numeric system (similar to the mayan numerals)

Syntax

For syntax samples see sample sentences

Word order

The Subject goes before the object whenever possible, indefinite arguments are placed before the verb, definite arguments after, possible word orders are:

  • VSO - Both arguments are definite
  • SVO - Subject is indefinite and object is definite
  • OVS - Object is indefinite and subject is definite
  • SOV - Both arguments are indefinite

Indirect objects are placed after the subject and object whenever possible.

Verbs

  • Verb
    • Coverb
    • Adverb

Nouns

  • Determiner
  • Adposition
  • Noun
    • Adjective

Adverbs

Adverbs modify the preceding word, meaning that they automatically nest, in order to have multiple adverbs modifying the same word a coordinating conjunction is needed.

  • Head
    • Adverb
      • Adverb
    • Conjunction
    • Adverb

Adjectives

Since adverbs and adjectives can be used interchangeably trough zero derivation, in order to avoid their nesting and adverbalization, multiple adjectives need a coordinating conjunction between them.

  • Noun
    • Adjective
      • Adverb
    • Conjunction
    • Adjective

Clauses

Declarative

Declarative clauses are 'normal' and their syntax has been explained above

Interrogative

Polar questions

Polar questions, also known as yes-no questions are formed by adding the main verb at the end of the question, but in inverted polarity, this means, when the main verb is positive it is added in negative form and when it is negative it is added in normal form, this is similar to english tag questions.

  • PST.PFV.fly away bird.NOM, PST.PFV.fly.N ("The bird flew away, didn't it?"; literally "The bird flew away, flew not?")

These questions are answered by the questioned verb in the correct polarity, followed by any pertinent information.

  • PST.PFV.fly ("it flew"; literally "flew")
  • PST.PFV.fly.N ("it didn't fly"; literally "flew not")
Non-polar questions

Non-polar questions are formed by replacing the questioned element by its respective interrogative determiner, verbs have a special construction, needing a coverb before the determiner. These structures are similar to english echo questions.

  1. PST.PFV.fly away what ("what flew away?")
  2. PST.PFV.fly how bird.NOM ("the bird flew how?")
  3. PST.PFV.coverb what bird.NOM? ("the bird did what?")

These questions are answered by replacing the interrogative determiner with the proper information, alternatively, in informal environments, they can be answered just with the missing information

  1. PST.PFV.fly away bird.NOM ("the bird flew away") / bird.NOM ("the bird")
  2. PST.PFV.fly away bird.NOM ("the bird flew away") / away
  3. PST.PFV.fly away bird.NOM ("the bird flew away") / PST.PFV.fly away ("flew away")

While answer #2 would be considered 'dumb' or 'smartassy' in english, in Riagi it is the proper answer to what was asked. If the circumstances which allowed the bird to fly away are what are being asked, then the origin/reason interrogative determiner is used, which is translated to english as 'why', 'wherefrom' or 'whence'.

Exclamatory

Imperative

Transitivity

Valence increasing

Causative
Applicative
Benefactive

Valence decreasing

Passive voice
Antipassive
Reflexive

Coordination

Subordination

Writing system

"Rīagi pākkamēa" written in the Riagi alphabet

Alphabet

Consonants in IPA, romanization and native script
Vowels in IPA, romanization and native script

Orthography

Typography

Lexicon

Derivation

Compounds

From Nouns

From Verbs

From Adforms

Cultural usage of language

See Also

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