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Nouns and Phrases

Nominal Predicates

<127>

Predicates in Beja are the last part of a sentence. Nominal predicates are used to identify or describe things, and they employ nominal words like nouns or adjectives, as in 'Ali is a teacher' or 'Ali is strong'.

Greeting People

How are you?

<128>

In the next set of greetings, adjectives like 'fine, happy', etc. are used to ask about someone's well-being. Beja adjectives behave very much like nouns. Therefore 'I am happy' might also be translated as 'I am a happy (one).'

<129>

These nominal predicates have different endings, depending on the number, gender, and person of the subject: The -u is typical for Singular and the -a for Plural. Likewise, the -t is typical for Feminine and the -b for Masculine gender - as the table shows. Note that the -b will only be attached if the word ends in a vowel, as in daayii -b-u 'good-he-is'. If the word already ends in a consonant, the -b will not be attached. This is true for the entire noun system.

Table 10: First and Second Person

Sg:

(akraa-) -(b)u / -tu

I (M) / (F) (I'm fine)

أكرا بُ / تُ

(akraa-) -(b)wa / -tuwi

You (M) / (F) (you are fine)

أكرا بوه / تُوے

Pl:

(akraa-) -(b)a

We (are fine)

أكرا به

(akraa-) -(b)aana

You (Pl) (you are fine)

أكرا بانه

How are you (M)? (Addressed to, and answered by, a male)

Akraawa?

Are you (M) strong?

أكراو أ?

Akraabu.

I am strong.

أكرابُ.

Dabaaywa?

Are you (M) OK?

دَبايوه?

Dabaayu.

I am OK.

دَبايُ.

Kwatiibwa?

Are you (M) well?

كْوَتٍيبوه?

Kwatiibu.

I am well.

كْوَتٍيبُ.

Libaabiiwa?

Are you (M) happy?

لِبابٍيوه?

Libaabiibu.

I am happy.

لِبابٍيبُ.

Aafiimaawa?

Are you (M) healthy?

آفٍيماوه?

Aafiimaabu.

I am healthy.

آفٍيمابُ.

<130>

Note that several of these greetings may be used in a row.

Akraatuwi?

Are you (F) strong?

أكراتُوے?

Akraatu.

I (F) am strong.

أكراتُ.

Dabaaytuwi?

Are you (F) OK?

دَبايتُوے?

Dabaaytu.

I (F) am OK.

دَبايتُ.

Kwatiituwi?

Are you well?

كْوَتٍيتُوے?

Kwatiitu.

I (F) am well.

كْوَتٍيتُ.

Libaabiituwi?

Are you (F) happy?

لِبابٍيتُوے?

Libaabiitu.

I (F) am happy.

لِبابٍيتُ.

Aafiimaatuwi?

Are you (F) healthy?

آفٍيماتُوے?

Aafiimaatu.

I am healthy.

آفٍيماتُ.

How are you (Pl)? (Addressed to, and answered by several people)

Akraabaana?

Are you (Pl) strong?

أكرابانه?

Akraaba.

We are strong.

أكرابه.

Dabaayaana?

Are you (Pl) OK?

دَبايانه?

Dabaaya.

We are OK.

دَبايه.

Kwatiibaana?

Are you (Pl M) well?

كْوَتٍيبانه?

Kwatiiba.

We are well.

كْوَتٍيبه.

Libaabiibaana?

Are you (Pl) happy?

لِبابٍيبانه?

Libaabiiba.

We are happy.

لِبابٍيبه.

Aafiimaabaana?

Are you (Pl) healthy?

آفٍيمابانه?

Aafiimaaba.

We are healthy.

آفٍيمابه.

<131>

A: the host, B: the visitor

#1

A: Aabwa?

aab-wa

A: Who are you (M)?

whoObjM-IdSg2M

#2

B: Ani Aliibu.

ani aliib-u

B: I am Ali.

Sg1 Ali-IdSg13M

#3

A: Anaa sanu! Yaa marhaba, yaa marhaba.

anaa san-u yaa marhaba yaa marhaba

A: My brother! Hello, hello.

hey brother-PossSg1 hello hello hello hello

#4

Eetaaneena!

ee-taan-ee-na

Welcome (Lit you (Pl) come)!

come-PerfPl2-WH-thing

#5

B: Tisniyeena!

ti-sni-yee-na

B: Good to await me (Lit you (Pl) await)!

PerfSg2MPf-stay-PerfSg2M-WH-thing

#6

A: Suur baya! Ma'aahoon!

suur bay-a ma'-aa-hoon

A: Go ahead! Come to us!

before go-ImpvM come-ImpvM-ObjPl1

#7

Shuumaa!

shuum-aa

Come in!

enter-ImpvM

#8

B: Daayiitu.

daayiit-u

B: Good.

good-IdSg13F

#9

A: Sa'a!

sa'-a

A: Sit down!

sit-ImpvM

#10

Oon'oomhiin sa'a!

oon-'oo-mhiin sa'-a

Sit down here!

NearSgMObjPf-ArtSgMObj-place sit-ImpvM

#11

B: Daayiitu.

daayiit-u

B: Good.

good-IdSg13F

#12

A: Dabaaywa?

dabaay-wa

A: Are you (M) OK?

well-IdSg2M

#13

B: Dabaayu.

dabaay-u

B: I am OK.

well-IdSg13M

#14

Batuukehan dabaaytuwi?

batuuk-ehan dabaayt-uwi

What about you, are you (F) OK?

Sg2F-also well-IdSg2F

#15

A: Ani daayiitu. Baruuk libaabiiwa?

A: ani daayiit-u baruuk libaabii-wa

A: I am fine (F). Are you (M) happy?

Sg1 good-IdSg13F Sg2M happy-IdSg2M

#16

B: Gwirhaab kaabaru,

gwirhaab kaa-baru

B: I don't have any trouble,

problem NegImpfSg1Pf-have

#17

batuukehan libaabiituwi?

batuuk-ehan libaabiit-uwi

are you (F) also happy?

Sg2F-also happy-IdSg2F

#18

A: Ani daayiit iha.

ani daayiit iha

A: I am fine (good).

Sg1 good PerfSg1Pf-be

#19

Naan gw'ata?

naan gw'-ata

What do you want to drink?

what drink-SubM

#20

Shaahiib gw'atahan, hana jabanaat [5]?

shaahiib gw'-ata-han hana jabanaat

Do you want to drink some tea, or coffee?

tea drink-SubM-also or coffee.pot

#21

B: Naat gw'i kaadi.

naat gw'-i kaa-di

B: I won't drink anything.

thing drink-FutSg NegImpfSg1Pf-say

#22

Dawil door buun gw'aabu.

dawil door buun gw'-aab-u

I just drank coffee.

closeness time coffee drink-PtcpPast-IdSg13M

#23

Laakiin, anaa kwaatu, yam gw'asiiheeb!

laakiin anaa kwaat-u yam gw'as-ii-heeb

But, my sister, give (F) me (some) water!

but hey sister-PossSg1 water let.drink-ImpvF-ObjSg1

#24

A: Daayiitu. Yihaa!

daayiit-u yiha-a

A: Fine. Take (M)!

good-IdSg13F take-ImpvM

#25

B: Ahamidehook. Uusheek keeya?

a-hamid-ehook uusheek kee-ya

B: Thank you. Where is Oosheek?

PerfSg1Pf-praise-ObjSg2 Oosheek be.where-PerfSg3M

#26

A: Ushanhooh abaayu.

A: u-shanh-ooh abaay-u

A: He has gone (went) to his work.

ArtSgM-work-PossSg3 go-PtcpPast-IdSg13M

#27

B: Naadoor eeyiini?

naadoor ee-yiini

B: When does he (usually) come?

what.time come-ImpfSg3M

#28

A: Nabhoob eeyiini.

nabhoob ee-yiini

A: He comes in the afternoon.

afternoon come-ImpfSg3M

#29

Haalooku?

haal-ook-u

What is the (your) matter?

condition-PossSg2-IdSg13M

#30

B: Dibiloot halaagaay hooy abari.

dibiloot halaagaay hooy a-bari

B: I have a little request for him.

small business for PerfSg1Pf-have

#31

A: Hagita! Dawil door y'i indi.

hagit-a dawil door y'-i i-ndi

A: Wait! He will come soon.

wait-ImpvM closeness time come-FutSg ImpfSg3MPf-say

#32

B: Oond'aab, ani shawaay kaaki.

oond'aab ani shawaay kaa-ki

B: (Right) now, I am not free.

this.time Sg1 free NegImpfSg1Pf-be

#33

Ashshigani.

ashshig-ani

I'm in a hurry.

hurry-ImpfSg1

#34

Laakiin weer door y'i andi.

laakiin weer door y'-i a-ndi

But (some) other time I will come.

but other time come-FutSg ImpfSg1Pf-say

#35

A: Ba'ashshigaa! Hooy baashinhaya!

ba-'ashshig-aa hooy baa-shinha-ya

A: Don't (M) hurry! Don't worry about it!

NegImpvMPf-hurry-NegImpvM at NegImpvMPf-worry-NegImpvM

#36

Sooyi andi.

sooy-i a-ndi

I will inform him.

tell-FutSg ImpfSg1Pf-say

#37

B: Daayiitu.

daayiit-u

B: That is good.

good-IdSg13F

#38

L'aab aayimi!

l'-aab aayim-i

Have (F) a good (Lit cool) day!

be.cool-PtcpPast spend.day-ImpvF

#39

A: Asigaab! L'aab aayima!

asigaab l'-aab aayim-a

A: The same to you! Have (M) a good day!

peaceful be.cool-PtcpPast spend.day-ImpvM

<132>

١ أ آبوه? ٢ أنے ألٍيبُ. ٣ أنا سَنُ! يا مَرهَبَ, يا مَرهَبه. ٤ێتانێنه! ٥تِسنِيێنه! ٦سٌور بَيه! مَآهۆن! ٧شٌوما! ٨دايٍيتُ. ٩سَأه! ١٠ ۆنؤۆمهٍين سَأه! ١١ دايٍيتُ. ١٢ دَبايوه? ١٣ دَبايُ. ١٤ بَتٌوكهَن دَبايتُوے? ١٥ أنے دايٍيتُ. بَرٌوك لِبابٍيوه? ١٦ قْوِرهاب كابَرُ, ١٧ بَتٌوكهَن لِبابٍيتُوے? ١٨ أنے دايٍيت إهه. ١٩ نان قْوأَته? ٢٠ شاهٍيب قْوأَتَهَن, هَنه جَبَنات? ٢١ نات قْوإِ كادے. ٢٢ دَوِل دۆر بٌون قْوآبُ. ٢٣ لاكٍين, أنا كْواتُ, يَم قْوأَسٍيهێب! ٢٤ دايٍيتُ. يِها! ٢٥ أهَمِدهۆك.أُو شێك كێيه? ٢٦ أُشَنهۆه أبايُ. ٢٧ نادۆر ێيٍينے? ٢٨ نَبهۆب ێيٍينے. ٢٩ هالۆكُ? ٣٠ دِبِلۆت هَلاقاي هۆي أبَرے. ٣١ هَقِته! دَوِل دۆر يِإِ إندے. ٣٢ ۆندآب, أنے شَواي كاكے. ٣٣ أششِقَنے. ٣٤ لاكٍين وێر دۆر يِإِ أندے. ٣٥ بَأَششِقا! هۆي باشِنهَيه! ٣٦ سۆيے أندے. ٣٧ دايٍيتُ. ٣٨ لآب آيِمے! ٣٩ أسِقاب! لآب آيِمه!

Who is it? Copula

<133>

To identify people or things, words like 'Who?' and 'What' are used together with a copula like the English word 'is'. The answers will be identification clauses where names, nouns, or pronouns are used, such as 'It is Ali.' 'It is me' or 'We are guests.'

<134>

The endings which identify things have already been introduced with the adjectives (above). They are not only used for adjectives, but for all nominals (nouns, pronouns, names, adjectives, numerals). Two genders (M / (F) are distinguished, and two numbers (Sg / (Pl).

<135>

When people or things are named or listed or identified, Beja uses the Object case. This is common in Cushitic languages, but strange for Indo-European languages. So the identifying suffixes -(b)u, -(t)u, -(b)wa, -tuwi etc. (see the table above) can only be attached to words which are in the Object case.

<136>

There is an additional condition here: The Object case requires that a word ends in a consonant. So if a masculine name or noun doesn't already end in a consonant, the consonant -b must be attached. Therefore a person called Ali- will identify himself as Alii-b-u 'I am Ali'.

<137>

The same condition applies with feminine words: The Object case requires a consonant at the end of the word. But to a feminine name and noun - whether it already ends in a consonant or not - the consonant -t must always be attached. Therefore a person called Haliima or Zaynab will identify herself as Haliimaab-t-u, or Zaynab-t-u 'I am Halima', 'I am Zaynab'.

Interrogative Pronouns

<138>

Beja has question pronouns for as many as 10 or 12 persons, from 'I' to 'they'. But in real life, only some of them are used frequently: Aabu, aabtu? 'Who is it (M) / (F)?' and Aaba, aabta? 'Who are they (M) / (F)?'

Aabu?

Who am I (M)?

آبُ?

Aabtu?

Who am I (F)?

آبتُ?

Aabuwa?, aabwa?, aawwa?

Who are you (M)?

آبوه, آوّه?

Aabtuwi?

Who are you (F)?

آبتُوے?

Aabu?

Who (Lit whom (M)) is he?

آبُ?

Aabtu?

Who (Lit whom (F)) is she?

آبتُ?

Aaba?

Who are we?

آبه?

Aabaana?

Who are you (Pl M)?

آبانه?

Aaba?

Who (Lit whom) are they (M)?

آبه?

Aabta?

Who (Lit whom) are they (F)?

آبته?

Aabu? / Aliibu.

Who is it (M)? / It is Ali.

آبُ?/ ألٍيبُ.

Aabtu? / Zaynabtu.

Who is it (F)? / It is Zaynab.

آبتُ?/ زَينَبتُ.

Aaba? / Aliiwwa Hasanwaaya.

Who are they (M)? / They are Ali and Hassan.

آبه?/ ألٍيوّه هَسَنوايه.

Aabta? / Zaynabwa Haliimaabwaata. [6]

Who are they (F)? / They are Zaynab and Halima.

آبته?/ زَينَبوه هَلٍيمابواته.*

Aabu? / aabtu?

Who (Lit whom) is it? (M) / (F)

آبُ? / آبتُ?

Aneebu, aneebu.

It is me (M Obj).

أنێبُ.

Aneebtu.

It is me (F Obj).

أنێبتُ.

Barooku.

It is you (M Obj).

بَرۆكُ.

Batooktu.

It is you (F Obj).

بَتۆكتُ.

Baroohu.

It is him.

بَرۆهُ.

Batoohtu.

It is her.

بَتۆهتُ.

Aaba? / aabta?

Who (Lit whom) are they? (M) / (F)

آبه?/ آبته?

Hinina, hinina.

It is us.

هِنِنه.

Bareeknaaya.

It is you (Pl M Obj).

بَرێكنايه.

Bateeknaata.

It is you (Pl F Obj).

بَتێكناته.

Bareeh(naay)a.

It is them (M Obj).

بَرێهنايه.

Bateeh(naa)ta.

It is them (F Obj).

بَتێهناته.

Identifying Things

<139>

Many nominal predicates have the form of equations like A = B, where the second part is a noun, as in 'Ali is a teacher'.

What is it?

<140>

To identify things or to ask about things - like 'What is it?' - the numbers (Sg) and (Pl) need to be distinguished:

Interrogative Pronouns

Naa naatu?

What (thing) is it? (Sg)

نا ناتُ?

Naa naata?

What (things) are they? (Pl)

نا ناته?

Amsi naa b'eeyu?

What day is it today?

أمسے نا بئێيُ?

Amsi hattu, hadtu.

Today it is Sunday (Lit first day).

أمسے هَتُّ ; هَدتُ.

Amsi litneentu.

Today is Monday.

أمسے لِتنێنتُ.

Amsi talataatu.

Today is Tuesday.

أمسے تَلَتاتُ.

Amsi arb'aatu.

Today is Wednesday.

أمسے أربآتُ.

Amsi khamiistu, hamiistu

Today is Thursday.

أمسے خَمٍيستُ, هَمٍيستُ

Amsi jim'aatu, jum'aatu.

Today is Friday.

أمسے جِمآتُ.

Amsi sabtu, subtu

Today is Saturday.

أمسے سَبتُ, سُبتُ

Iru bitkaayt naa b'eeyu?

What day was the day before yesterday?

إرُ بِتكايت نا بئێيُ?

Iru bitkaayt jim'aatu.

The day before yesterday was Friday.

إرُ بِتكايت جِمآتُ.

Iru naa b'eeyu?

What day was yesterday?

إرُ نا بئێيُ?

Iru sabtu.

Yesterday was Saturday.

إرُ سَبتُ.

Amsi naa b'eeyu?

What day is it today?

أمسے نا بئێيُ?

Amsi hattu.

Today is Sunday.

أمسے هَتُّ.

Lhayt naa b'eeyu?

What day is it tomorrow?

لهَيت نا بئێيُ?

Lhayt litneentu.

Tomorrow is Monday.

لهَيت لِتنێنتُ.

Lhayt baakaayt naa b'eeyu?

What day is it after tomorrow?

لهَيت باكايت نا بئێيُ?

Lhayt baakaayt talataatu.

The day after tomorrow is Tuesday.

لهَيت باكايت تَلَتاتُ.

Plural Formation of Nouns
Plural of Nouns 1

<141>

Beja has various ways of forming the plural of a noun. The most common ones will be presented first.

<142>

The first, straightforward way is to attach the plural suffix -a (it is -ya after vowels).

Examples

gaw / gawa

house / houses

قَو / قَوه

galam / galama

pen / pens

قَلَم / قَلَمه

kwursi / kwursiiya

chair / chairs

كْوُرسے / كْوُرسٍييه

<143>

Note that in Beja, word final vowels typically are short (or shortened), like a in gawa 'houses', or i in kwursi 'chair'. But when a suffix syllable is attached, these vowels will be long, like ii in kwursii-ya 'chairs'.

(Uunbaruuh) naa naatu? / Gawu.

(This), What (thing) is it? / It is a house (M).

أُونبَرٌوه نا ناتُ?قَوُ.

Naa naata? / Gawaaba.

What (things) are they? / They are houses (Pl M).

نا ناته?قَوابه.

Naa naatu? / Galamu.

What (thing) is it? / It is a pen (M).

نا ناتُ?قَلَمُ.

Naa naata? / Galamaaba.

What (things) are they? / They are pens (Pl M).

نا ناته?قَلَمابه.

Naa naatu? / Kwursiibu.

What (thing) is it? / It is a chair (M).

نا ناتُ?كْوُرسٍيبُ.

Naa naata? / Kwursiiyaaba.

What (things) are they? / They are chairs (Pl M).

نا ناته?كْوُرسٍييابه.

<144>

Like other final vowels, the plural -a, will also be long when a suffix follows - as in gaw-a / gaw-aa-ba, 'houses / they are houses', kwursii-ya / kwursii-yaa-ba 'chairs / they are chairs'.

Plural of Nouns 2

<145>

Another way of forming the plural is to shorten the last vowel of the noun.

kaam / kam

camel / camels

كام / كَم

kaamt / kamt, kamit

she-camel / she-camels

كامت / كَمت كَمِت

n'aayt / n'ayt

goat / goats

نآيت / نأَيت

hataay / hatay

horse / horses

هَتاي / هَتَي

(Uunbatuuh) naa naatu? / Kaamu.

(This,) What (thing) is it? / It is a camel.

( أُونبَتٌوه ) نا ناتُ? / كامُ.

Naa naata? / Kama.

What (things) are they? / They are camels (Pl M).

نا ناته? / كَمه.

Naa naatu? / Kaamtu.

What (thing) is it? / It is a camel (F).

نا ناتُ? / كامتُ.

Naa naata? / Kamta, kamitta.

What (things) are they? / They are camels (Pl F).

نا ناته? / كَمته, كَمِتّه.

Naa naatu? / N'aaytu.

What (thing) is it? / It is a goat (F).

نا ناتُ? / نآيتُ.

Naa naata? / N'ayta.

What (things) are they? / They are goats (Pl F).

نا ناته? / نأَيته.

Naa naatu? / Hataayu.

What (thing) is it? / It is a horse (M).

نا ناتُ? / هَتايُ.

Naa naata? / Hataya.

What (things) are they? / They are horses (Pl M).

نا ناته? / هَتَيه.

Plural of Nouns 3

<146>

A third way of expressing the plural is to front-shift the pitch-accent, as the next examples show. All of these nouns are given in the object case.

bissaab / bissaab

cat (Sg M) / (Pl)

بِسّاب / بِسّاب

bissaat / bissaat

cat (Sg F) / (Pl)

بِسّات / بِسّات

eer'iib, eer'iib / iireeb, iireeb

eagle (Sg M) / (Pl)

ێرإيب, ێرإيب / إي رێب, إيرێب

b'ashoob / b'ashoob

fox (Sg M) / (Pl)

بأَشۆب / بأَشۆب

b'ashoot / b'ashoot

fox (Sg F) / (Pl)

بأَشۆت / بأَشۆت

hadhaab / hadhaab

lion (Sg M) / (Pl)

هَڈاب / هَڈاب

hadhaat / hadhaat

lioness (Sg F) / (Pl)

هَڈات / هَڈات

biileeb / biileeb

bag (Sg) / (Pl)

بٍيلێب / بٍيلێب

hadhiib / hadhiib

bread (Sg) / (Pl)

هَڈٍيب / هَڈٍيب

dheefaab / dheefaab

door (Sg) / (Pl)

ڈێفاب / ڈێفاب

ayeeb / ayeeb

hand (Sg) / (Pl)

أيێب / أيێب

ribaab / ribaab

mountain (Sg) / (Pl)

رِباب / رِباب

akaat / akaat

palm tree fruit (Sg) / (Pl)

أكات / أكات

gwibeeb / gwibeeb

shield (Sg) / (Pl)

قْوِبێب / قْوِبێب

aweeb / aweeb

stone (Sg) / (Pl)

أوێب / أوێب

gwharaab / gwharaab

thief (Sg) / (Pl)

قْوهَراب / قْوهَراب

hindiib / hindiib

tree, wood (Sg) / (Pl)

هِندٍيب / هِندٍيب

<147>

There are words which do not use any affixes to form the plural - especially those words whose last vowel is already -a, and some loan words.

riba / riba

hill (M) / hills

رِبه / رِبه

tarabeedaat / tarabeedaat

table (F) / tables

تَرَبێدات / تَرَبێدات

<148>

The context - or something else - will take care of these (apparent) ambiguities.

Ribaabu / ribaaba.

It is a hill (M) / They are hills.

رِبابُ / رِبابه.

Tarabeedaatu / tarabeedaata.

It is a table (F) / They are tables.

َرَبێداتُ / تَرَبێداته.

Plural Formation:

Example (Sg):

Example (Pl):

1. Suffix -a

house / pen

gaw / galam

قَو / قَلَم

gawa / galama

قَوه / قَلَمه

2. Shortening of the last syllable

camel / horse

kaam / hataay

كام / هَتاي

kam / hatay

كَم / هَتَي

3. Front-Shifting of the Pitch-Accent

cat / hand

bissaab / ayeeb

بِسّاب / أيێب

bissaab / ayeeb

بِسّاب / أيێب

4. Zero Marking

hill / table

riba / tarabeezaat

رِبه / تَرَبێزات

riba / tarabeezaat

رِبه / تَرَبێزات

5. Different root

man / woman

tak / takat

تَك / تَكَت

da / M'at

ده / مأَت

6. No singular (or rarely used)

water / face

-

-

yam / Fiir

يَم / فٍير

<149>

The plural form of a noun is not predictable. Therefore it should always be considered an important property of the noun. Some of the most frequent irregular plurals, such as 'men', 'women', 'boys' and 'girls' have already been given in the previous sections. Here is a summary of important unpredictable plurals.

tak / da

man (Sg) / (Pl)

تَك / ده

takat / m'a

woman (Sg) / (Pl)

تَكَت / مأه

oor / ar

boy (Sg) / (Pl)

ۆر / أر

oot / arit

girl (Sg) / (Pl)

ۆت / أرِت

More Examples of Plural Forms
Plural Forms of Things

raat / rat

leaf (Sg) / (Pl)

رات / رَت

faas / fas

axe (Sg) / (Pl)

فاس / فَس

kaar / kar

hill (Sg) / (Pl)

كار / كَر

yaay / yay

rope (Sg) / (Pl)

ياي / يَي

siyaam / siyam

grass (Sg) / (Pl)

سِيام / سِيَم

Plural Forms: Animals 1

yaas / yas

dog (Sg M) / (Pl)

ياس / يَس

yaast / yast

bitch (Sg F) / (Pl)

ياست / يَست

kaam / kam

camel (Sg M) / (Pl)

كام / كَم

n'aayt / n'ayt

goat (Sg F) / (Pl)

نآيت / نأَيت

hataay / hatay

horse (Sg M) / (Pl)

هَتاي / هَتَي

argin / arginaab

sheep (Sg M) / (Pl)

أرقِن / أرقِناب

sh'aab / sh'aab

ox (Sg M) / (Pl)

شآب / شآب

sh'aat / sh'aat

cow (Sg F) / (Pl)

شآت / شآت

meek / mak

donkey (Sg M) / (Pl)

مێك / مَك

meekt / makt

donkey (Sg F) / (Pl)

مێكت / مَكت

anoot / anoot, anut

ewe (Sg F) / (Pl)

أنۆت / أنۆت, أنُت

bissaab / bissaab

cat (Sg M) / (Pl)

بِسّاب / بِسّاب

bissaat / bissaat

cat (Sg F) / (Pl)

بِسّات / بِسّات

hadhaab / hadhaab

lion (Sg M) / (Pl)

هَڈاب / هَڈاب

hadhaat / hadhaat

lioness (Sg F) / (Pl)

هَڈات / هَڈات

Plural Forms: Body Parts 1

ayeeb / ayeeb

hand (Sg) / (Pl)

أيێب / أيێب

ginuuf / ginif

nose (Sg) / (Pl)

قِنٌوف / قِنِف

ragad / ragadaab

foot (Sg) / (Pl)

رَقَد / رَقَداب

tiikas / tiikasaab

heel (Sg) / (Pl)

تٍيكَس / تٍيكَساب

gw'aj / gw'aj

eye (Sg) / (Pl)

قْوأَج / قْوأَج

angwiil / angwil

ear (Sg) / (Pl)

أنقْوٍيل / أنقْوِل

liiliit / liiliit

pupil of the eye (Sg) / (Pl)

لٍيلٍيت / لٍيلٍيت

tiibalaayt / tiibalayt

finger (Sg F) / (Pl)

تٍيبَلايت / تٍيبَلَيت

tiibalaay / tiibalay

thumb (Sg M) / (Pl)

تٍيبَلاي / تٍيبَلَي

kwireet / kwireet

tooth (Sg) / (Pl)

كْوِرێت / كْوِرێت

girma / girmaab

head (Sg) / (Pl)

قِرمه / قِرماب

gin'a / gin'aab

heart (Sg) / (Pl)

قِنأه / قِنآب

yaf / yafaab

mouth (Sg) / (Pl)

يَف / يَفاب

haaf / haf

stomach (Sg) / (Pl)

هاف / هَف

<150>

Nouns which are only used in the plural include body parts, liquids and mass nouns.

fiir

face (Pl M)

فٍير

hamoot

hair (Pl F)

هَمۆت

yam

water (and other liquids) (Pl M)

يَم

sikwkwart

sugar (and other mass nouns) (Pl F)

سِكْوكْوَرت

mhallagaab

money (Pl M)

مهَلَّقاب

Identifying People

<151>

The interrogative pronoun for identifying things is naa (naatu)? 'What?' The interrogative pronouns for identifying persons are Aaw, aab? 'Who, whom?' And as responses to these questions, Beja has a rich set of person suffixes and personal pronouns.

Person Suffixes

<152>

The answers to the question aabu 'Who is it?' use the same copula suffixes as for adjectives. Some of them (marked with *) have already been introduced in the context of greetings. Below follows the full list with all person suffixes (table 13). This should be compared with table 11.

Table 13: Person Suffixes

Sg:

-bu / -(y)u

*I (M) am

-tu

*I (F) am

-buwa / -wa

*you (M) are

-tuwi

*you (F) are

-bu / -(y)u

he is

-tu

she is

Pl:

-ba / -(y)a

we (M) are

-ta

we (F) are

-baana / -(y)aana

you (Pl M) are

-taana

you (Pl F) are

-ba / -(y)a

they (M) are

-ta

they (F) are

Subject Pronouns

<153>

Beja pronouns take case. The two cases subject case (responding to the question 'who?') and object case (responding to the question 'whom?') have already been introduced above. Beja has different interrogative pronouns for these two: The pronoun which asks for the subject case - like 'Who' in 'Who came?' - is different from the pronoun which asks for the object case - like 'Whom' in 'Who (M) did he see?'

Interrogative Pronouns

Aaw?

Who?

آو?

Aab?

Whom ?

آب?

Aaw eeya? / Baruuh eeya.

Who came? / He came.

آو ێيه? / بَرٌوه ێيه.

Aab rhiya? / Barooh rhiya.

Whom did he see? / Him he saw.

آب رهِيه? / بَرۆه رهِيه.

<154>

Here follows the full set of subject and object case independent pronouns. They are used for subjects (who) and objects (whom) respectively. Their vowels differ:

<155>

The subject case typically uses the vowels -uu (Sg) and -aa (Pl). The object case typically uses the vowels -oo (Sg) and -ee (Pl).

Sg:

ani / aneeb

I / me

أنے / أنێب

baruuk / barook

you (M Subj) / (M Obj)

بَرٌوك / بَرۆك

batuuk / batook

you (F Subj) / (F Obj)

بَتٌوك / بَتۆك

baruuh / barooh

he / him

بَرٌوه / بَرۆه

batuuh / batooh

she / her

بَتٌوه / بَتۆه

Pl:

hinin / hinin.

we / us

هِنِن / هِنِن

baraakna / bareekna.

you (Pl M Subj / (Pl M Obj)

بَراكنه / بَرێكنه

bataakna / bateekna.

you (Pl F Subj) / (Pl F Obj)

بَتاكنه / بَتێكنه

baraah / bareeh.

they / them (M)

بَراه / بَرێه

bataah / bateeh.

they / them (F)

بَتاه / بَتێه

Subject Pronouns

<156>

The first part of the following sentences also involves subject pronouns. Note that the plural forms are distinguished by pitch-accent.

Aaw gawkinaabu?

Who is (the owner) of the house?

آو قَوكِنابُ?

Sg:

Ani gawkinaabu / gawkinaatu.

I (M) / (F) am (the owner) of the house.

أنے قَوكِنابُ / قَوكِناتُ.

Baruuk gawkinaawa.

You (M) are (the owner) of the house.

بَرٌوك قَوكِناوه.

Batuuk gawkinaatuwi.

You (F) are (the owner) of the house.

بَتٌوك قَوكِناتُوے.

Baruuh gawkinaabu.

He is (the owner) of the house.

بَرٌوه قَوكِنابُ.

Batuuh gawkinaatu.

She is (the owner) of the house.

بَتٌوه قَوكِناتُ.

Pl:

Hinin gawkinaaba / gawkinaata.

We (M) / (F) are (the owner) of the house.

هِنِن قَوكِنابه / قَوكِناته.

Baraakna gawkinaabaana.

You (Pl M) are (the owner) of the house.

بَراكنه قَوكِنابانه.

Bataakna gawkinaataana.

You (Pl F) are (the owner) of the house.

بَتاكنه قَوكِناتانه.

Baraah gawkinaaba.

They (M) are (the owner) of the house.

بَراه قَوكِنابه.

Bataah gawkinaata.

They (F) are (the owner) of the house.

بَتاه قَوكِناته.

Subject Pronouns with Verbs

<157>

To introduce the subject pronouns, a few common verbs will be used, such as 'to come, to start' etc. but is not necessary to study the verb endings at this point. The full verb system will be introduced later.

<158>

If subject pronouns like baruuh 'he' are found in sentences which also have a verb like eeyaa 'he-came', then the focus is on the pronoun. Therefore a sentence like baruuh eeya 'he came' really means 'It is he who came, not someone else.'

Aaw eeya?*

Who came?

آو ێيه? *

Sg:

Ani y'an.

I came.

أنے يِأَن

Baruuk eetaa.

You (M) came.

بَرٌوك ێتا

Batuuk eetaayi.

You (F) came.

بَتٌوك ێتايے

Baruuh eeya.*

He came.

بَرٌوه ێيه. *

Batuuh eeta.

She came.

بَتٌوه ێته

Pl:

Hinin eena.

We came.

هِنِن ێنه

Baraakna eetaana.

You (Pl) came.

بَراكنه ێتانه

Bataakna eetaana.

You (Pl) came.

بَتاكنه ێتانه

Baraah eeyaan.*

They (M) came.

بَراه ێيان. *

Bataah eeyaan.*

They (F) came.

بَتاه ێيان. *

<159>

* Instead of eeya, eeyaan, full forms such as eeyiya, eeyiyaan may also be used.

Verb 'to start, get up'

Aaw yakiya?

Who started?

آو يَكِيه?

Sg:

(Ani) yakan.

I started

(أنے) يَكَن.

(Baruuk) yaktaa.

You (M) started.

(بَرٌوك) يَكتا.

(Batuuk) yaktaayi.

You (F) started.

(بَتٌوك) يَكتايے.

(Baruuh) yakiya.

He started.

(بَرٌوه) يَكِيه.

(Batuuh) yakta.

She started.

(بَتٌوه) يَكته.

Pl:

(Hinin) yakna.

We started.

(هِنِن) يَكنه.

(Baraakna) yaktaana.

You (Pl M) started.

(بَراكنه) يَكتانه.

(Bataakna) yaktaana.

You (Pl F) started.

(بَتاكنه) يَكتانه.

(Baraah) yakiyaan.

They (M) started.

(بَراه) يَكِيان.

(Bataah) yakiyaan.

They (F) started.

(بَتاه) يَكِيان.

Verb 'to see'

Aaw rhiya?

Who saw (it)?

آو رهِيه?

Sg:

(Ani) rhan.

I saw (it).

( أنے) رهَن.

(Baruuk) rhitaa.

You (M) saw.

(بَرٌوك) رهِتا.

(Batuuk) rhitaayi.

You (F) saw.

(بَتٌوك) رهِتايے.

(Baruuh) rhiya.

He saw.

(بَرٌوه) رهِيه.

(Batuuh) rhita.

She saw.

(بَتٌوه) رهِته.

Pl:

(Hinin) rhina.

We saw.

(هِنِن) رهِنه.

(Baraakna) rhitaana.

You (Pl M) saw.

(بَراكنه) رهِتانه.

(Bataakna) rhitaana.

You (Pl F) saw.

(بَتاكنه) رهِتانه.

(Baraah) rhiyaan.

They (M) saw.

(بَراه) رهِيان.

(Bataah) rhiyaan.

They (F) saw.

(بَتاه) رهِيان.

Definiteness

Indefinite / Definite

<160>

Indefinite Beja nouns are nouns without a definite article. So the word tak could be translated as 'man' or 'a man' - but not as 'man in general'.

<161>

Definite or general Beja nouns are nouns with a definite article. So the word oo-tak could be translated as 'the man, man in general'. (Note that the object case is used when a noun is just mentioned or listed, such as here above.)

<162>

There are only few occasions where indefinite nouns will be used, and the main use is to identify or introduce someone or something, as in the following examples.

Sg:

tak / Taku.

man / It is a man.

تَك / تَكُ.

takat / Takattu.

woman / It is a woman.

تَكَت / تَكَتُّ.

oor / Ooru.

boy / It is a boy.

ۆر / ۆرُ.

oot / Ootu.

girl / It is a girl.

ۆت / ۆتُ.

Pl:

da / Daaba.

men / They are men.

ده / دابه.

m'a / M'ata.

women / They are women.

مأه / مأَته.

ar / Ara.

boys / They are boys.

أر / أره.

arit / Aritta.

girls / They are girls.

أرِت / أرِتّه.

Definite Nouns

<163>

Most of the time, nouns are used in their definite form, i.e. with an article. This is true even for general statements such as 'water will run its course' or 'advice is a good thing':

Aayam oodham sakeen.

[The] waters follow [the] course.

آيَم ۆڈَم سَكێن.

Uumkir daayi naatu.

[The] advice is a good thing.

أُومكِر دايے ناتُ.

<164>

The definite article and the plural form should be considered part of a noun. To take an example: It is not enough to consider tak 'man' as one lexical item, and da 'men' as another lexical item. Instead, one should consider ootak, eenda 'the man / the men' as belonging together. Thus, for a language learner it is not recommended to just remember the indefinite forms such as tak, da- 'man, men (Indef)' - but the following forms should be stored in memory:

ootak / eenda

man / men (Def)

ۆتَك / ێ نده

tutakat / teem'a

woman / women (Def)

تُتَكَت / تێمأه

w'oor / y'ar

boy / boys (Def)

وؤۆر / يِأَر

tu'oor / ti'arit

girl / girls (Def)

تُؤۆر / تِأَرِت

<165>

It is not correct to use an indefinite noun if the item is already in everybody's mind. There actually are only few occasions where indefinite nouns can be used. Examples such as those below might be found at the beginning of a conversation, or when a new turn is introduced in a story - but hardly anywhere else.

Hataay eeya.

A horse (M) came.

هَتاي ێيه.

Hatay eeyaan.

Some horses (M) came.

هَتَي ێيان.

Hataay rhan.

I saw a horse (M).

هَتاي رهَن.

Hatay rhan.

I saw some horses (M).

هَتَي رهَن.

Kaam eeya.

A camel (M) came.

كام ێيه.

Kam eeyaan.

Some camels (M) came.

كَم ێيان.

Kaam rhan.

I saw a camel (M).

كام رهَن.

Kam rhan.

I saw some camels (M).

كَم رهَن.

Kaamt eeta.

A camel (F) came.

كامت ێته.

Kamit eeyaan.

Some camels (F) came.

كَمِت ێيان.

Kaamt rhan.

I saw a camel (F).

كامت رهَن.

Kamit rhan.

I saw some camels (F).

كَمِت رهَن.

Tak eeya.

A man came.

تَك ێيه.

Da eeyaan.

Some men came.

ده ێيان.

Tak rhan.

I saw a man.

تَك رهَن.

Daab rhan.

I saw some men.

داب رهَن.

Definite NPs

<166>

As has been said above, nouns usually come with a definite article. The definite article would even be used in general statements such as W-hataay daayi naatu 'A horse (Lit the-horse) is a good thing'.

<167>

The following sentences introduce different forms of the definite article.

Uukaam eeya.

The camel (M) came.

أُوكام ێيه.

Ookaam rhan.

I saw the camel (M).

ۆكام رهَن.

Tuukaam eeta.

The camel (F) came.

تٌوكام ێته.

Tookaam rhan.

I saw the camel (F)

تۆكام رهَن.

Aakam eeyaan.

The camels (M) came.

آكَم ێيان.

Eekam rhan.

I saw the camels (M).

ێكَم رهَن.

Taakam eeyaan.

The camels (F) came.

تاكَم ێيان.

Teekam rhan.

I saw the camels (F)

تێكَم رهَن.

Uutak eeya.

The man came.

أُوتَك ێيه.

Ootak rhan.

I saw the man.

ۆتَك رهَن.

Aanda eeyaan.

The men came.

آنده ێيان.

Eenda rhan.

I saw the men.

ێنده رهَن.

Whataay eeya.

The horse came (M).

وُهَتاي ێيه.

Whataay rhan.

I saw the horse (M).

وُهَتاي رهَن.

Yhatay eeyaan.

The horses came (M).

يِهَتَي ێيان.

Yhatay rhan.

I saw the horses (M).

يِهَتَي رهَن.

Definite Article

<168>

The definite article has different forms. They are conditioned by four properties of the noun:

  1. The initial consonant of the noun - this can be either a Glottal consonant (h or hamzah) or non-Glottal.

  2. The gender of the noun - this can be either masculine or feminine.

  3. The number of the noun - this can be either singular or plural.

  4. And the case of the noun - and this can be either subject or object case.

<169>

Note that Beja words which start with a vowel behave as if they start with a hidden hamzah [']. This hamzah will appear as soon as a syllable is attached in front of it (prefixed).

Monosyllabic words [7] which do not start with h or hamzah take the following articles:

uu-, oo- / tuu-, too-

Sg M / Sg F

أُو-, ۆ - / تُو -, تۆ -

aa-, ee- / taa-, tee-

Pl M / Pl F

آ-, ێ - / تا -, تێ -

Examples (Sg):

uu-kaam / uu-nfis / uu-smuuh

camel (M Subj) / appetite(Subj) / his name(Subj)

أُو- كام / أُو - نفِس / أُو - سمٌوه

oo-kaam / oo-nfis / oo-smooh

camel (M Obj) / appetite (Obj) / his name (Obj)

ۆ- كام / ۆ - نفِس / ۆ - سمۆه

tuu-kaam / tuu-ndi / tuu-drim

camel (F Subj) / mother (Subj)/ cattle (Subj)

تُو - كام / تُو - ندے / تُو - درِم

too-kaam / too-ndi / too-drim

camel (F Obj) / mother (Obj)/ cattle (Obj)

تۆ - كام / تۆ - ندے / تۆ - درِم

Examples (Pl):

aa-kam / aa-nda

camels (M Subj) / men (Subj)

آ- كَم / آ - نده

ee-kam / ee-nda

camels (M Obj) / men (Obj)

ێ- كَم / ێ - نده

taa-kam / taa-m'a

camels (F Subj) / women (Subj)

تا - كَم / تا - مأه

tee-kam / tee-m'a

camels (F Obj) / women (Obj)

تێ - كَم / تێ - مأه

Both monosyllabic words and other words which start with h or hamzah take the following articles:

w(u)-, w(u)- / t(u)-, t(u)-

Sg M / Sg F

y(i)-, y(i)- / t(i)-, t(i)-

Pl M / Pl F

Examples (Sg):

w(u)-'oor / w-hiss / w-halak

the boy (Subj) / voice (Subj) / dress (Subj)

و( أُ) - ؤۆر / و- هِسّ / و- هَلَك

w(u)-'oor / w-hiss / w-halak

the boy (Obj) / voice (Obj) / dress (Obj)

و( أُ) - ؤۆر / و- هِسّ / و- هَلَك

t(u)-'oor / tu-haasim / tu-humni

the girl (Subj) / spider (F Subj)/ afternoon (Subj)

ت( أُ) - ؤۆر / تُ - هاسِم / تُ - هُمنے

t(u)-'oor / tu-haasim / tu-humni

the girl (Obj) / spider (F Obj) / afternoon (Obj)

ت( أُ) - ؤۆر / تُ - هاسِم / تُ - هُمنے

Examples (Pl):

y(i)-'ar / y-hissa

the boys (Subj) / voices (Subj)

ي( إ) - أَر / ي- هِسّه

y(i)-'ar / y-hissa

the boys (Obj) / voices (Obj)

ي( إ) - أَر / ي- هِسّه

t(i)-'ar / ti-haasma (haasimi)

the girls (Subj) / spiders (F Subj)

ت( إ) - أَر / تے - هاسمه (هاسِمے)

t(i)-'ar / ti-haasma

the girls (Obj) / spiders (F Obj)

ت( إ) - أَر / تے - هاسمه

Words with more than one syllable which do not start with h or hamzah take the following articles:

u-, u- / tu-, tu- [8]

Sg M / Sg F

i-, i- / ti-, ti-

Pl M / Pl F

Examples (Sg):

u-bissa / u-ganaay / u-sakana

cat (M Subj) / gazelle (M Subj) / news (Subj)

أُ- بِسّه / أُ - قَناي / أُ - سَكَنه

u-bissa / u-ganaay / u-sakana

cat (M Obj) / gazelle (M Obj) / news (Obj)

أُ- بِسّه / أُ - قَناي / أُ - سَكَنه

tu-bissa / tu-ganaay / tu-jabana

cat (F Subj) / gazelle (F Subj) / coffee pot (Subj)

تُ - بِسّه / تُ - قَناي / تُ - جَبَنه

tu-bissa / tu-ganaay / tu-jabana

cat (F Obj) / gazelle (F Obj) / coffee pot (Obj)

تُ - بِسّه / تُ - قَناي / تُ - جَبَنه

Examples (Pl):

i-bissa / i-nisrika

cats (M Subj) / children (M Subj)

إ- بِسّه / إ - نِسرِكه

i-bissa / i-nisrika

cats (M Obj) / children (M Obj)

إ- بِسّه / إ - نِسرِكه

ti-bissa / ti-nisrika

cats (F Subj) / children (F Subj)

تے - بِسّه / تے - نِسرِكه

ti-bissa / ti-nisrika

cats (F Obj) / children (F Obj)

تے - بِسّه / تے - نِسرِكه

Interrogatives and Demonstratives

<170>

Here are more examples for definite articles. The examples will be given in the form of questions like 'Where is...?'.

Keeya?

Where / which one (M) is it?

كێيه?

Keeta?

Where / which one (F) is it?

كێته?

Keeyaan?

Where / which ones are they?

كێيان?

Examples (M):

Uukaam / uutak keeya?

Where is the camel (M) / man?

أُوكام كێيه?

Aakam / aanda keeyaan?

Where are the camels (M) / men?

آكَم كێيان?

Uumeek keeya?

Where is the donkey (M)?

أُومێك كێيه?

Aamak keeyaan?

Where are the donkeys (M)?

آمَك كێيان?

Examples (F):

Tuukaam / tutakat keeta?

Where is the camel (F) / woman?

تٌوكام كێته?

Taakam / taam'a keeyaan?

Where are the camels (F) / women?

تاكَم كێيان?

Tuumeek keeta?

Where is the donkey (F)?

تٌومێك كێته?

Taamak keeyaan?

Where are the donkeys (F)?

تامَك كێيان?

Tuun'aay keeta?

Where is the goat (F)?

تٌونآي كێته?

Taan'ay keeyaan?

Where are the goats (F)?

تانأَي كێيان?

Where is 2

Examples (Sg):

Uugaw keeya?

Where is the house?

أُوقَو كێيه?

Ugalam keeya?

Where is the pencil?

أُقَلَم كێيه?

Umaktab keeya?

Where is the office?

أُمَكتَب كێيه?

Utambiil keeya?

Where is the car?

أُتَمبٍيل كێيه?

Ukwursi keeya?

Where is the chair?

أُكْوُرسے كێيه?

Tumastara keeta?

Where is the ruler?

تُمَستَره كێته?

Examples (Pl):

Igawa keeyaan?

Where are the houses?

إقَوه كێيان?

Igalama keeyaan?

Where are the pencils?

إقَلَمه كێيان?

Imaktaba keeyaan?

Where are the offices?

إمَكتَبه كێيان?

Itambil keeyaan?

Where are the cars?

إتَمبِل كێيان?

Ikwursiiya keeyaan?

Where are the chairs?

إكْوُرسٍييه كێيان?

Timastara keeyaan?

Where are the rulers?

تِمَستَره كێيان?

Demonstratives

<171>

The answer to the question 'Which?' or 'Where' usually requires demonstratives or deictics. These are special pronouns which point to the particular item in question.

<172>

In Beja, only those items can be pointed to which are considered definite. Therefore, demonstratives can only be attached to pronouns, since they are considered definite (e.g. uun-baruuh 'this-he'), or to names (e.g. uun-Ali 'this Ali'), or to nouns which have a definite article (uun-uu-tak 'this-the-man').

<173>

Beja has two different sets of demonstratives: One for items nearby, which includes uun 'this', aan 'these', and another set for items far away, which includes been 'that', baliin 'those'.

<174>

The near demonstrative pronouns 'this / these' have different forms, depending on number and gender: uun / aan 'these (Sg M / Pl M)', or tuun / taan 'these (Sg F / Pl F)'. In addition, the object case will require the usual object vowels: oon / een (Sg M / Pl M), or toon / teen (Sg F / Pl F)

<175>

Many speakers will change tuun- / toon- into > tuut- / toot- or even into > uut- / oot-, especially when the t- F follows, as in tuut tikati 'this she-is', or uut- tu- takat 'this-the-woman'.

Near Subj:

Uun / tuun

This (M) / (F)

أُون / تٌون

Aan / taan

These (M) / (F)

آن / تان

Near Obj:

Oon / toon

This (M) / (F)

ۆن / تۆن

Een / teen

These (M) / (F)

ێن / تێن

Far Subj:

Been / beet

That (M) / (F)

بێن / بێت

Baliin / baliit

Those (M) / (F)

بَلٍين / بَلٍيت

Far Obj:

Been / Beet

That (M) / (F)

بێن / بێت

Baliin / baliit

Those (M) / (F)

بَلٍين / بَلٍيت

Demonstratives Referring To Near Objects

Keeya? Uun ikati.

Where is he? He is here (Lit Which one is it? It is this one).

كێيه? / أُون إكَتے.

Keeyaan? Aan ikatiin.

Where are they (M)? They (M) are here.

كێيان? / آن إكَتٍين.

Keeta? Tuut (tuun) tikati.

Where is she? She is here.

كێته? / تٌوت (تٌون) تِكَتے.

Keeyaan? Taan ikatiin.

Where are they (F)? They (F) are here.

كێيان? / تان إكَتٍين.

Uukaam keeya? Uun ikati.

Where is the camel (M)? It (M) is here.

أُوكام كێيه? / أُون إكَتے.

Aakam keeyaan? Aan ikatiin.

Where are the camels (M)? They (M) are here.

آكَم كێيان? / آن إكَتٍين.

Tuun'aay keeta? Tuut tikati.

Where is the goat (F)? It (F) is here.

تٌونآي كێته? / تٌوت تِكَتے.

Taan'ay keeyaan? Taan ikatiin.

Where are the goats (F)? They (F) are here.

تانأَي كێيان? / تان إكَتٍين.

This (F)

Tughurfaatu keeta? Tuut tikati.

Where is my room? It is here.

تُغُرفاتُ كێته? / تٌوت تِكَتے.

Tus'aatu keeta? Tuut tikati.

Where is my watch? It is here.

تُسآتُ كێته? / تٌوت تِكَتے.

Tis'aati keeyaan? Taan ikatiin.

Where are my watches? They are here.

تِسآتے كێيان? / تان إكَتٍين.

Tutarabeedaatu keeta? Tuut tikati.

Where is my table? It is here.

تُتَرَبێداتُ كێته? / تٌوت تِكَتے.

Titarabeedaati keeyaan? Taan ikatiin.

Where are my tables? They are here.

تِتَرَبێداتے كێيان? / تان إكَتٍين.

Tukwubbaaytu keeta? Tuut tikati.

Where is my cup (mug)? It is here.

تُكْوُبّايتُ كێته? / تٌوت تِكَتے.

Tikwubbayti keeyaan? Taan ikatiin.

Where are my cups (mugs)? They are here.

تِكْوُبَّيتے كێيان? / تان إكَتٍين.

Tigidh'aati keeyaan? Taan ikatiin.

Where are my sandals (shoes)? They are here.

تِقِڈآتے كێيان? / تان إكَتٍين.

<176>

Pronouns often have demonstrative prefixes. In some Beja areas this is the preferred form for all pronouns.

uunbaruuh / oonbarooh

this (M Subj) / (M Obj)

أُونبَرٌوه / ۆنبَرۆه

uunbatuuh / oonbatooh

this (F Subj) / (F Obj)

أُونبَتٌوه / ۆنبَتۆه

aanbaraah / eenbareeh

these (M Subj) / (M Obj))

آنبَراه / ێنبَرێه

aanbataah / eenbateeh

these (F Subj) / (F Obj)

آنبَتاه / ێنبَتێه

<177>

The far demonstratives 'that, those' have the same forms for all cases and numbers - distinguishing only (M) and (F) gender: been / beet 'that, those (M) / (F)'.

<178>

Some speakers use special forms for the plural: baliin / baliit 'those (Pl M) / (Pl F)'.

Beenbaruuh / beenbarooh.

That (M Subj) / (M Obj)

بێنبَرٌوه / بێنبَرۆه.

Beenbatuuh / beenbatooh.

That (F Subj) / (F Obj)

بێنبَتٌوه / بێنبَتۆه.

Beenbareeh / baliinbaraah, baliinbareeh.

Those (M Subj / M Obj)

بێنبَرێه / بَلٍينبَراه, بَلٍينبَرێه.

Beenbateeh / baliitbataah, baliitbateeh (baliin bataah / baliin bateeh).

Those (F Subj / F Obj)

بێنبَتێه / بَلٍيتبَتاه, بَلٍيتبَتێه (بَلٍين بَتاه / بَلٍين بَتێه ).

Demonstratives with Pronouns, Referring To Near Objects

<179>

In some dialects and with some speakers, the demonstratives will not be attached and assimilated to the articles. They will be used as separate words, as shown in the parentheses here below.

(Uun baruuh) Uunbaruuh aabu?

Who is this (M)?

( أُون بَرٌوه) أُونبَرٌوه آبُ?

(Uun baruuh) Uunbaruuh Aliibu.

This is Ali.

( أُون بَرٌوه) أُونبَرٌوه ألٍيبُ.

(Tuun batuuh) Uunbatuuh aabtu?

Who is this (F)?

(تٌون بَتٌوه) أُونبَتٌوه آبتُ?

(Tuun batuuh) Uunbatuuh Zaynabtu.

This is Zaynab.

(تٌون بَتٌوه) أُونبَتٌوه زَينَبتُ.

(Aan baraah) Aanbaraah aaba?

Who are these (M)?

(آن بَراه) آنبَراه آبه?

(Aan baraah) Aanbaraah Aliiwwa Hasanwaaya.

These are Ali and Hassan.

(آن بَراه) آنبَراه ألٍيوّه هَسَنوايه.

(Taan bataah) Aanbataah aabta?

Who are these (F)?

(تان بَتاه) آنبَتاه آبته?

(Taan bataah) Aanbataah Zaynabwa Haliimaabwaata.

These are Zaynab and Halima.

(تان بَتاه) آنبَتاه زَينَبوه هَلٍيمابواته.

Beenbaruuh aabu?

Who is that (M)?

بێنبَرٌوه آبُ?

Beenbaruuh Abuuzaynabu.

That is Abuzaynab.

بێنبَرٌوه أبٌوزَينَبُ.

Beenbatuuh aabtu?

Who is that (F)?

بێنبَتٌوه آبتُ?

Beenbatuuh Zaynabtu.

That is Zaynab.

بێنبَتٌوه زَينَبتُ.

(Baliinbaraah) Beenbaraah aaba?

Who are those (M)?

(بَلٍينبَراه)بێنبَراه آبه?

(Baliinbaraah) Beenbaraah Aliiwwa Hasanwaaya.

Those are Ali and Hassan.

(بَلٍينبَراه)بێنبَراه ألٍيوّه هَسَنوايه.

(Baliitbataah) Beenbataah aabta?

Who are those (F)?

(بَلٍيتبَتاه)بێنبَتاه آبته?

(Baliitbataah) Beenbataah Zaynabwa Haliimaabwaata, Haliimaawwaata.

Those are Zaynab and Halima.

(بَلٍيتبَتاه)بێنبَتاه زَينَبوه, هَلٍيمابواته.هَلٍيماوّاته.

Demonstratives with Nouns

Uun'uutak aabu?

Who is this man?

أُونُوتَك آبُ?

Aliibu.

He is Ali.

ألٍيبُ.

Uuttutakat aabtu?

Who is this woman?

أُوتُّتَكَت آبتُ?

Haliimaabtu.

She is Halima.

هَلٍيمابتُ.

Demonstratives and Nouns (Sg)

Uunbaruuh naa naatu?

What is this (M)?

أُونبَرٌوه نا ناتُ?

Uunbaruuh galamu.

This is a pen.

أُونبَرٌوه قَلَمُ.

Uunbatuuh naa naatu?

What is this (F)?

أُونبَتٌوه نا ناتُ?

Uunbatuuh mastaraatu.

This is a ruler.

أُونبَتٌوه مَستَراتُ.

Beenbaruuh naa naatu?

What is that (M)?

بێنبَرٌوه نا ناتُ?

Beenbaruuh gawu.

This is a house.

بێنبَرٌوه قَوُ.

Beenbatuuh naa naatu?

What is that (F)?

بێنبَتٌوه نا ناتُ?

Beenbatuuh n'aaytu.

That is a goat (F).

بێنبَتٌوه نآيتُ.

Demonstratives and Nouns (Pl)

Aanbaraah naa naata?

What are these (M)?

آنبَراه نا ناته?

Aanbaraah gawaaba.

These are houses.

آنبَراه قَوابه.

Aanbataah naa naata?

What are these (F)?

آنبَتاه نا ناته?

Aanbataah tarabeezaata.

These are tables.

آنبَتاه تَرَبێزاته.

Baliinbaraah naa naata?

What are those (M)?

بَلٍينبَراه نا ناته?

Baliinbaraah kwursiiyaaba.

Those are chairs.

بَلٍينبَراه كْوُرسٍييابه.

Baliitbataah naa naata?

What are those (F)?

بَلٍيتبَتاه نا ناته?

Baliitbataah mastaraata.

Those are rulers.

بَلٍيتبَتاه مَستَراته.

Demonstrative Objects with Verbs

Aab rhita? / Naan rhita?

Whom did you (M) see? / What did you (M) see?

آب رهِته? / نان رهِته?

Oonbarooh rhan.

I saw this (M).

ۆنبَرۆه رهَن.

Oonbatooh rhan.

I saw this (F).

ۆنبَتۆه رهَن.

Eenbareeh rhan.

I saw these (M).

ێنبَرێه رهَن.

Eenbateeh rhan.

I saw these (F).

ێنبَتێه رهَن.

Beenbarooh rhan.

I saw that (M).

بێنبَرۆه رهَن.

Beenbatooh rhan.

I saw that (F).

بێنبَتۆه رهَن.

Beenbareeh rhan.

I saw those (M).

بێنبَرێه رهَن.

Beenbateeh rhan.

I saw those (F).

بێنبَتێه رهَن.

Demonstratives and 'to call'

Oonbarooh aab eeyadna?

What (whom) do they call him?

ۆنبَرۆه آب ێيَدنه?

Oonbarooh Abuuzaynab eeyadna.

They call him Abuzaynab.

ۆنبَرۆه أبٌوزَينَب ێيَدنه.

Oonbatooh aab eeyadna?

What do they call her?

ۆنبَتۆه آب ێيَدنه?

Oonbatooh Zaynab eeyadna.

They call her Zaynab.

ۆنبَتۆه زَينَب ێيَدنه.

Oon'ootak aab eeyadna?

What do they call this man?

ۆنؤۆتَك آب ێيَدنه?

Oon'ootak Abuuzaynab eeyadna.

They call him Abuzaynab.

ۆنؤۆتَك أبٌوزَينَب ێيَدنه.

Oottutakat aab eeyadna?

What do they call this woman?

ۆتُّتَكَت آب ێيَدنه?

Oottutakat (toon tutakat, toottutakat) Zaynab eeyadna.

They call her Zaynab.

ۆتُّتَكَت (تۆن تُتَكَت, تۆتُّتَكَت) زَينَب ێيَدنه.

Describing Things: Noun Phrases (NPs)

<180>

Noun phrases are about things in the world. To name the qualities of these things or to describe them, adjectives and other attributes can be put next to the noun.

Adjectives and Participles

<181>

Descriptions answer the questions such as 'What is X like?' To describe things, as in 'X is red', the adjective must follow the noun, and a copula (comparable to the English word 'is') must be attached at the end.

<182>

The copula has already been introduced with the greetings, since it is common in forms like ani dabaay-u - baruuk dabaay-wa? 'I am fine - are you fine?' The copula in Beja is a suffix which has different forms, depending on the number and the gender of the noun. As has been presented earlier, the most frequent forms of the copula are -u / -tu 'is (Sg M) / (Sg F)', and -a / -ta 'are (Pl M) / (Pl F)'. In such sentences the adjective must be in the object case.

Adjectives

<183>

The answer to 'what is... like?' is a description in which an adjective may be used. To the adjective a copula is attached. The copula has different forms, depending on whether the adjective ends in:

  1. A glottal consonant (this includes h and hamzah)

  2. any other consonant

  3. or a vowel.

Naan tan'i?

What is he, she like?

نان تَنإِ?

Uuttuuna, naan tan'i?

This thing, what is it like?

أُوتٌّونه, نان تَنإِ?

Hadaltu / hadalu.

She / he is black

هَدَلتُ / هَدَلُ.

Eeraatu / eeraabu.

She / he is white.

ێراتُ / ێرابُ.

Adarootu / adaroobu.

She / he is red.

أدَرۆتُ / أدَرۆبُ.

Sootaaytu / sootaayu.

She / he is blue-green.

سۆتايتُ / سۆتايُ.

<184>

The pattern for attaching suffixes is most easily observed in adjectives which end in a simple consonant (i.e. a consonant other than h or hamzah.)

Ani hadalu.

I (M) am black.

أنے هَدَلُ.

Ani hadaltu.

I (F) am black.

أنے هَدَلتُ.

Baruuk hadalwa.

You (M) are black.

بَرٌوك هَدَلوه.

Batuuk hadaltuwi.

You (F) are black.

بَتٌوك هَدَلتُوے.

Baruuh hadalu.

He is black.

بَرٌوه هَدَلُ.

Batuuh hadaltu.

She is black.

بَتٌوه هَدَلتُ.

Hinin hadalaaba.

We (M) are black.

هِنِن هَدَلابه.

Hinin hadalaata.

We (F) are black.

هِنِن هَدَلاته.

Baraakna hadalaabaana.

You (Pl M) are black.

بَراكنه هَدَلابانه.

Bataakna hadalaataana.

You (Pl F) are black.

بَتاكنه هَدَلاتانه.

Baraah hadalaaba.

They (M) are black.

بَراه هَدَلابه.

Bataah hadalaata.

They (F) are black.

بَتاه هَدَلاته.

Adjectives ending in aa

Ani eeraabu.

I (M) am white.

أنے ێرابُ.

Ani eeraatu.

I (F) am white.

أنے ێراتُ.

Baruuk eeraawwa.

You (M) are white.

بَرٌوك ێراوه.

Batuuk eeraatuwi.

You (F) are white.

بَتٌوك ێراتُوے.

Baruuh eeraabu.

He is white.

بَرٌوه ێرابُ.

Batuuh eeraatu.

She is white.

بَتٌوه ێراتُ.

Hinin eeraaba.

We (M) are white.

هِنِن ێرابه.

Hinin eeraata.

We (F) are white.

هِنِن ێراته.

Baraakna eeraabaana.

You (Pl M) are white.

بَراكنه ێرابانه.

Bataakna eeraataana.

You (Pl F) are white.

بَتاكنه ێراتانه.

Baraah eeraaba.

They (M) are white.

بَراه ێرابه.

Bataah eeraata.

They (F) are white.

بَتاه ێراته.

Adjectives ending in ii

Ani dhhaniibu.

I (M) am alive, well.

أنے ڈهَنٍيبُ.

Ani dhhaniitu.

I (F) am alive, well.

أنے ڈهَنٍيتُ.

Baruuk dhhaniiwa.

You (M) are alive, well.

بَرٌوك ڈهَنٍيوه.

Batuuk dhhaniituwi.

You (F) are alive, well.

بَتٌوك ڈهَنٍيتُوے.

Baruuh dhhaniibu.

He is alive, well.

بَرٌوه ڈهَنٍيبُ.

Batuuh dhhaniitu.

She is alive, well.

بَتٌوه ڈهَنٍيتُ.

Hinin dhhaniiba.

We (M) are alive, well.

هِنِن ڈهَنٍيبه.

Hinin dhhaniita.

We (F) are alive, well.

هِنِن ڈهَنٍيته.

Baraakna dhhaniibaana.

You (Pl M) are alive, well.

بَراكنه ڈهَنٍيبانه.

Bataakna dhhaniitaana.

You (Pl F) are alive, well.

بَتاكنه ڈهَنٍيتانه.

Baraah dhhaniiba.

They (M) are alive, well.

بَراه ڈهَنٍيبه.

Bataah dhhaniita.

They (F) are alive, well.

بَتاه ڈهَنٍيته.

Adjectives ending in oo

Ani adaroobu.

I (M) am red.

أنے أدَرۆبُ.

Ani adarootu.

I (F) am red.

أنے أدَرۆتُ.

Baruuk adaroowwa.

You (M) are red.

بَرٌوك أدَرۆوه.

Batuuk adarootuwi.

You (F) are red.

بَتٌوك أدَرۆتُوے.

Baruuh adaroobu.

He is red.

بَرٌوه أدَرۆبُ.

Batuuh adarootu.

She is red.

بَتٌوه أدَرۆتُ.

Hinin adarooyaaba.

We (M) are red.

هِنِن أدَرۆبه.

Hinin adarooyaata.

We (F) are red.

هِنِن أدَرۆته.

Baraakna adarooyaabaana.

You (Pl M) are red.

بَراكنه أدَرۆبانه.

Bataakna adarooyaataana.

You (Pl F) are red.

بَتاكنه أدَرۆتانه.

Baraah adarooyaaba.

They (M) are red.

بَراه أدَرۆبه.

Bataah adarooyaata.

They (F) are red.

بَتاه أدَرۆته.

Adjectives ending in h 1

<185>

(See alternative forms below)

Ani shabhayu.

I (M) am gentle, average.

أنے شَبهَيُ.

Ani shabhatu.

I (F) am gentle, average.

أنے شَبهَتُ.

Baruuk shabhawa.

You (M) are gentle, average.

بَرٌوك شَبهَوه.

Batuuk shabhatuwi.

You (F) are gentle, average.

بَتٌوك شَبهَتُوے.

Baruuh shabhayu.

He is gentle, average.

بَرٌوه شَبهَيُ.

Batuuh shabhatu.

She is gentle, average.

بَتٌوه شَبهَتُ.

Hinin shabhaya.

We (M) are gentle, average.

هِنِن شَبهَيه.

Hinin shabhata.

We (F) are gentle, average.

هِنِن شَبهَته.

Baraakna shabhayaana.

You (Pl M) are gentle, average.

بَراكنه شَبهَيانه.

Bataakna shabhataana.

You (Pl F) are gentle, average.

بَتاكنه شَبهَتانه.

Baraah shabhaya.

They (M) are gentle, average.

بَراه شَبهَيه.

Bataah shabhata.

They (F) are gentle, average.

بَتاه شَبهَته.

Adjectives ending in h 2

Ani shabahu.

I (M) am gentle, average.

أنے شَبَهُ.

Ani shabahtu.

I (F) am gentle, average.

أنے شَبَهتُ.

Baruuk shabahwa.

You (M) are gentle, average.

بَرٌوك شَبَهوه.

Batuuk shabahtuwi.

You (F) are gentle, average.

بَتٌوك شَبَهتُوے.

Baruuh shabahu.

He is gentle, average.

بَرٌوه شَبَهُ.

Batuuh shabahtu.

She is gentle, average.

بَتٌوه شَبَهتُ.

Hinin shabaha.

We (M) are gentle, average.

هِنِن شَبَهه.

Hinin shabahta.

We (F) are gentle, average.

هِنِن شَبَهته.

Baraakna shabahaana.

You (Pl M) are gentle, average.

بَراكنه شَبَهانه.

Bataakna shabahtaana.

You (Pl F) are gentle, average.

بَتاكنه شَبَهتانه.

Baraah shabaha.

They (M) are gentle, average.

بَراه شَبَهه.

Bataah shabahta.

They (F) are gentle, average.

بَتاه شَبَهته.

Adjectives ending in hamzah (glottal stop) 1

<186>

(See alternative forms below)

Ani nab'ayu.

I (M) am warm.

أنے نَبأَيُ.

Ani nab'atu.

I (F) am warm.

أنے نَبأَتُ.

Baruuk nab'awa.

You (M) are warm.

بَرٌوك نَبأَوه.

Batuuk nab'atuwi.

You (F) are warm.

بَتٌوك نَبأَتُوے.

Baruuh nab'ayu.

He is warm.

بَرٌوه نَبأَيُ.

Batuuh nab'atu.

She is warm.

بَتٌوه نَبأَتُ.

Hinin nab'aya.

We (M) are warm.

هِنِن نَبأَيه.

Hinin nab'ata.

We (F) are warm.

هِنِن نَبأَته.

Baraakna nab'ayaana.

You (Pl M) are warm.

بَراكنه نَبأَيانه.

Bataakna nab'ataana.

You (Pl F) are warm.

بَتاكنه نَبأَتانه.

Baraah nab'aya.

They (M) are warm.

بَراه نَبأَيه.

Bataah nab'ata.

They (F) are warm.

بَتاه نَبأَته.

Adjectives ending in hamzah (glottal stop) 2

Ani naba'u.

I (M) am warm.

أنے نَبَءُ.

Ani naba'tu.

I (F) am warm.

أنے نَبَ تُ.

Baruuk naba'wa.

You (M) are warm.

بَرٌوك نَبَ وه.

Batuuk naba'tuwi.

You (F) are warm.

بَتٌوك نَبَ تُوے.

Baruuh naba'u.

He is warm.

بَرٌوه نَبَءُ.

Batuuh naba'tu.

She is warm.

بَتٌوه نَبَ تُ.

Hinin naba'a.

We (M) are warm.

هِنِن نَبَأه.

Hinin nab'ata.

We (F) are warm.

هِنِن نَبأَته.

Baraakna nab'aana.

You (Pl M) are warm.

بَراكنه نَبآنه.

Bataakna nab'taana.

You (Pl F) are warm.

بَتاكنه نَب تانه.

Baraah naba'a.

They (M) are warm.

بَراه نَبَأه.

Bataah nab'ata.

They (F) are warm.

بَتاه نَبأَته.

Participles

<187>

Participles are derived from verbs, but at this point they can be treated as if they were adjectives: Literally, hargwaab 'hungry' for instance means '(the one who) hungers, hungered'; but it has the positions, endings and functions of an adjective: 'hungry'.

<188>

It will be seen that transitive verbs (like to see) and intransitive verbs (like to come) differ slightly in the form and meaning of their participles:

<189>

Participles of transitive verbs have the endings -aab / -aat 'the one who (actively)...-ed (M) / (F)' as in abkaab / abkaat 'the one who (actively) held (M) / (F)', and these endings are attached after the last root consonant.

<190>

Participles of intransitive verbs, however, take the last root consonant -aaC / -aaCt 'the one who (is / was)... -ed (M) / (F)' as in fayaaku / fayaaktu 'the one who (is / was) loaded (M) / (F)'.

Ani, ani [9] n'uraabu.

I (M) am cured.

أنے, أنے نءُرابُ.

Ani n'uraatu.

I (F) am cured.

أنے, أنے نءُراتُ.

Baruuk n'uraawwa.

You (M) are cured.

بَرٌوك نءُراوه.

Batuuk n'uraatuwi.

You (F) are cured.

بَتٌوك نءُراتُوے.

Baruuh n'uraabu.

He is cured.

بَرٌوه نءُرابُ.

Batuuh n'uraatu.

She is cured.

بَتٌوه نءُراتُ.

Hinin n'uraaba.

We (M) are cured.

هِنِن نءُرَبه.

Hinin n'uraata.

We (F) are cured.

هِنِن نءُرَته.

Baraakna n'uraabaana.

You (Pl M) are cured.

بَراكنه نءُرَبانه.

Bataakna n'uraataana.

You (Pl F) are cured.

بَتاكنه نءُرَتانه.

Baraah n'uraaba.

They (M) are cured.

بَراه نءُرَبه.

Bataah n'uraata.

They (F) are cured.

بَتاه نءُرَته.

Participles of transitive verbs, ending in aa 2

Ani hargwaabu.

I (M) am hungry.

أنے هَرقْوابُ.

Ani hargwaatu.

I (F) am hungry.

أنے هَرقْواتُ.

Baruuk hargwaawa.

You (M) are hungry.

بَرٌوك هَرقْواوه.

Batuuk hargwaatuwi.

You (F) are hungry.

بَتٌوك هَرقْواتُوے.

Baruuh hargwaabu.

He is hungry.

بَرٌوه هَرقْوابُ.

Batuuh hargwaatu.

She is hungry.

بَتٌوه هَرقْواتُ.

Hinin hargwaaba.

We (M) are hungry.

هِنِن هَرقْوابه.

Hinin hargwata.

We (F) are hungry.

هِنِن هَرقْوَته.

Baraakna hargwabaana.

You (Pl M) are hungry.

بَراكنه هَرقْوَبانه.

Bataakna hargwataana.

You (Pl F) are hungry.

بَتاكنه هَرقْوَتانه.

Baraah hargwaba.

They (M) are hungry.

بَراه هَرقْوَبه.

Bataah hargwata.

They (F) are hungry.

بَتاه هَرقْوَته.

<191>

Participles of intransitive verbs, however (see below), take the last root consonant -aaC / -aaCt 'the one who (is / was)... -ed (M) / (F)' as in fayaaku / fayaaktu 'the one who (is / was) loaded (M) / (F)'.

Participles of intransitive verbs, ending in C 1

Ani fayaaku.

I (M) am loaded, responsible.

أنے فَياكُ.

Ani fayaaktu.

I (F) am loaded, responsible.

أنے فَياكتُ.

Baruuk fayaakwa.

You (M) are loaded, responsible.

بَرٌوك فَياكْوه.

Batuuk fayaaktuwi.

You (F) are loaded, responsible.

بَتٌوك فَياكتُوے.

Baruuh fayaaku.

He is loaded, responsible.

بَرٌوه فَياكُ.

Batuuh fayaaktu.

She is loaded, responsible.

بَتٌوه فَياكتُ.

Hinin fayaka.

We (M) are loaded, responsible.

هِنِن فَيَكه.

Hinin fayakta.

We (F) are loaded, responsible.

هِنِن فَيَكته.

Baraakna fayakaana.

You (Pl M) are loaded, responsible.

بَراكنه فَيَكانه.

Bataakna fayaktaana.

You (Pl F) are loaded, responsible.

بَتاكنه فَيَكتانه.

Baraah fayaka.

They (M) are loaded, responsible.

بَراه فَيَكه.

Bataah fayakta.

They (F) are loaded, responsible.

بَتاه فَيَكته.

Participles of intransitive verbs, ending in C 2

Ani hasaaru.

I (M) am sorry, sad.

أنے فَياكُ.

Ani hasaartu.

I (F) am sorry, sad.

أنے فَياكتُ.

Baruuk hasaarwa.

You (M) are sorry, sad.

بَرٌوك فَياكْوه.

Batuuk hasaartuwi.

You (F) are sorry, sad.

بَتٌوك فَياكتُوے.

Baruuh hasaaru.

He is sorry, sad.

بَرٌوه فَياكُ.

Batuuh hasaartu.

She is sorry, sad.

بَتٌوه فَياكتُ.

Hinin hasara.

We (M) are sorry, sad.

هِنِن فَيَكه.

Hinin hasarta.

We (F) are sorry, sad.

هِنِن فَيَكته.

Baraakna hasaraana.

You (Pl M) are sorry, sad.

بَراكنه فَيَكانه.

Bataakna hasartaana.

You (Pl F) are sorry, sad.

بَتاكنه فَيَكتانه.

Baraah hasara.

They (M) are sorry, sad.

بَراه فَيَكه.

Bataah hasarta.

They (F) are sorry, sad.

بَتاه فَيَكته.

Adjectives: More Examples
Adjectives in Questions and Answers 1

Baruuk gabaawa? Ani gabaabu.

Are you (M) satisfied, full? I am satisfied, full.

بَرٌوك قَباوه?أنے قَبابُ.

Batuuk gabaatuwi? Ani gabaatu.

Are you (F) satisfied, full? I am satisfied, full.

بَتٌوك قَباتُوے?أنے قَباتُ.

Baruuh gabaabu? Baruuh gabaabu.

Is he satisfied, full? He is satisfied, full.

بَرٌوه قَبابُ? بَرٌوه قَبابُ.

Batuuh gabaatu? Batuuh gabaatu.

Is she satisfied, full? She is satisfied, full.

بَتٌوه قَباتُ? بَتٌوه قَباتُ.

Baraakna gabaabaana? Hinin gabaaba.

Are you (Pl) satisfied, full? We are satisfied, full.

بَراكنه قَبابانه? هِنِن قَبابه.

Baraah gabaaba? Baraah gabaaba.

Are they (M) satisfied, full? They (M) are satisfied, full.

بَراه قَبابه? بَراه قَبابه.

Bataah gabaata? Bataah gabaata.

Are they (F) satisfied, full? They are satisfied, full.

بَتاه قَباته? بَتاه قَباته.

Adjectives in Questions and Answers 2

Baruuk yiweewa? Ani yiweebu.

Are you (M) thirsty? I am thirsty.

بَرٌوك يِوێوه?أنے يِوێبُ.

Batuuk yiweetuwi? Ani yiweetu.

Are you (F) thirsty? I am thirsty.

بَتٌوك يِوێتُوے?أنے يِوێتُ.

Baruuh yiweebu? Baruuh yiweebu.

Is he thirsty? He is thirsty.

بَرٌوه يِوێبُ? بَرٌوه يِوێبُ.

Batuuh yiweetu? Batuuh yiweetu.

Is she thirsty? She is thirsty.

بَتٌوه يِوێتُ? بَتٌوه يِوێتُ.

Baraakna yiweebaana? Hinin yiweeba.

Are you (Pl M) thirsty? We are thirsty.

بَراكنه يِوێبانه? هِنِن يِوێبه.

Baraah yiweeba? Baraah yiweeba.

Are they (M) thirsty? They (M) are thirsty.

بَراه يِوێبه? بَراه يِوێبه.

Bataah yiweeta? Bataah yiweeta.

Are they (F) thirsty? They (F) are thirsty.

بَتاه يِوێته? بَتاه يِوێته.

Color Adjectives (Sg) / (Pl)

Sg:

Uun'uush'a hamishu.

This ox (M) is brown.

أُونُوشأه هَمِشُ.

Uun'uumeek hamishu.

This donkey (M) is brown.

أُونُومێك هَمِشُ.

Aan'aamak hadalaaba.

These donkeys (M) are black.

آنآمَك هَدَلابه.

Aan'aash'a hamishaaba.

These oxen (M) are brown.

آنآشأه هَمِشابه.

Pl:

Aan'aamak eeraawwa hamshaawwaaya.

These donkeys (M) are white and brown.

آنآمَك ێراوّه هَمشاوّايه.

Aan'aamak hamishaawwa eeraawwaaya.

These donkeys (M) are brown and white.

آنآمَك هَمِشاوّه ێراوّايه.

Aan'aash'a eeraawwa hamishaawwaaya.

These oxen (M) are white and brown.

آنآشأه ێراوّه هَمِشاوّايه.

Aan'aash'a hamishaawwa eeraawwaaya.

These oxen (M) are brown and white.

آنآشأه هَمِشاوّه ێراوّايه.

Color Adjectives (Sg / Pl)

<192>

Adjectives take the same articles as nouns, and in this regard may be treated as nouns, like in 'red / the red one' etc. Note that the short vowels in brackets can be left out. This is always the case where i or u are followed by h or hamza, but it will not be indicated in all paradigms.

w(u)hadal / y(i)hadala.

black (Def) (M) / (Pl M)

وُهَدَل / يِهَدَله.

t(u)hadal / t(i)hadala.

black (Def) (F) / (Pl F)

تُهَدَل / تِهَدَله.

w(u)'eera / y(i)'eera.

white (Def) (M) / (Pl M)

وُئێره / يئِێره.

t(u)'eera / t(i)'eera.

white (Def) (F) / (Pl F)

تئێره / تئێره.

w(u)'adaru / y(i)'adarooya.

red (Def) (M) / (Sg F)

وُأَدَرُ / يِأَدَرۆيه.

t(u)'adaru / t(i)'adarooya.

red (Def) (F) / (Pl F)

تُأَدَرُ / تِأَدَرۆيه.

Adjectives: Opposites and Negation

<193>

Many adjectives and participles have obvious opposites as far as the meaning is concerned.

Opposites: Human Qualities

Eegriimu / adhamiibu.

He is old / young.

ێقرٍيمُ / أڈَمٍيبُ.

Akraabu / nhawiibu.

He is strong / weak.

أكرابُ / نهَوٍيبُ.

Daawriibu / nifriibu.

He is beautiful / ugly.

داورٍيبُ / نِفرٍيبُ.

Aafiimaabu / lhaabu.

He is healthy / sick.

آفٍيمابُ / لهابُ.

Winu / dibiloobu.

He is big / small.

وِنُ / دِبِلۆبُ.

Fagaru / afrayu.

He is good / bad.

فَقَرُ / أفرَيُ.

Saraaraabu / disu.

He is long / short.

سَرارابُ / دِسُ.

Opposites and Negation: Human Qualities

<194>

For some adjectives, the negative word kiiki 'it is not' is used to express the opposite or negative meaning.

Ashshigaabu / ashshigaab kiiki.

He is fast / not fast.

أششِقابُ / أششِقاب كٍيكے.

Libaabiibu / libaabiib kiiki.

He is happy / not happy.

لِبابٍيبُ / لِبابٍيب كٍيكے.

<195>

In the table below, the most frequent words for expressing negation have been marked A full presentation of negation will be given in the Section Verbs and Clauses. Note that the Bishaari dialect frequently uses final a instead of i, as in kaaka, kiika, kitta etc., as has been indicated in the phonological introduction.

Ashshigaab kaaki.

I am not in a hurry (frequent).

* أششِقاب كاكے.

Ashshigaab kittaa.

You (M) are not in a hurry.

أششِقاب كِتّا.

Ashshigaat kittaayi.

You (F) are not in a hurry.

أششِقات كِتّايے.

Ashshigaab kiiki.

He is not in a hurry / fast (frequent).

* أششِقاب كٍيكے.

Ashshigaat kitti.

She is not in a hurry / fast (frequent).

* أششِقات كِتّے.

Ashshigaab kinki.

We are not in a hurry.

أششِقاب كِنكے.

Ashshigaab kitteena.

You (Pl) are not in a hurry.

أششِقاب كِتّێنه.

Ashshigaab kiikeen.

They are not in a hurry / fast (frequent).

* أششِقاب كٍيكێن.

Opposites: Human Qualities

Baruuh deeyaraabu / ani deeyaraab kaaki.

He is tired / I am not tired.

بَرٌوه دێيَرابُ / أنے دێيَراب كاكے.

Baruuh nariitiibu / ani akraabu, nariitiib kaaki.

He is tired / I am strong, not tired.

بَرٌوه نَرٍيتٍيبُ / أنے أكرابُ, نَرٍيتٍيب كاكے.

Baruuh lhaabu / ani aafiimaabu, lhaab kaaki.

He is sick / I am healthy, not sick.

بَرٌوه لهابُ / أنے آفٍيمابُ, لهاب كاكے.

Baruuh yiweebu / ani l'oobu.

He is thirsty / I am not thirsty.

بَرٌوه يِوێبُ / أنے لؤۆبُ.

Baruuh hargwaabu / ani gabaabu.

He is hungry / I am not hungry (full).

بَرٌوه هَرقْوابُ / أنے قَبابُ.

Baruuh eegriimu / ani adhamiibu.

He is old / I am young.

بَرٌوه ێقرٍيمُ / أنے أڈَمٍيبُ.

Opposites: Other Qualities

Uunbaruuh aliyaabu / beenbaruuh rhasaabu.

This (M) is expensive / that (M) is cheap.

أُونبَرٌوه ألِيابُ / بێنبَرٌوه رهَسابُ.

Uunbaruuh daayiibu / beenbaruuh amaagu.

This (M) is good / that (M) is bad.

أُونبَرٌوه دايٍيبُ / بێنبَرٌوه أماقُ.

Uunbaruuh gaayiibu / beenbaruuh sh'iyaabu.

This (M) is new / that (M) is old.

أُونبَرٌوه قايٍيبُ / بێنبَرٌوه شإِيابُ.

Uunbaruuh nhasu / beenbaruuh yiwaashiibu.

This (M) is clean / that (M) is dirty.

أُونبَرٌوه نهَسُ / بێنبَرٌوه يِواشٍيبُ.

Uunbaruuh winu / beenbaruuh dibiloobu.

This (M) is big / that (M) is small.

أُونبَرٌوه وِنُ / بێنبَرٌوه دِبِلۆبُ.

Opposites: Qualities of Things

Sh'iyaabu / gaayiibu.

It (M) is old / new (speaking of things).

شإِيابُ / قايٍيبُ.

Sagiibu / dawilu.

It is far / close.

سَقٍيبُ / دَوِلُ.

Daayiibu / afrayu, amaagu.

It is good / bad.

دايٍيبُ / أفرَيُ, أماقُ.

Aliyaabu / rhasaabu.

It is expensive / cheap.

ألِيابُ / رهَسابُ.

Ataabu / faadiibu.

It is full / empty.

أتابُ / فادٍيبُ.

Nafiru / hamiibu.

It is sweet / bitter.

نَفِرُ / هَمٍيبُ.

Nhasu / yiwaashiibu.

It is clean / dirty.

نهَسُ / يِواشٍيبُ.

Naba'u, nab'ayu / l'aabu.

It is hot / cool.

نَبَءُ, نَبأَيُ / لآبُ.

Gwidaabu / shaliku.

It is much / little.

قْوِدابُ / شَلِكُ.

Special Plural Adjectives: Reduplication

<196>

A few adjectives are reduplicated to express plural. The first syllable is repeated according to the pattern CVC > CaCVC, in win- > wawin- 'big / big (Pl)', and likewise in dis- > dadis- 'small / small (Pl)'.

Sg:

Ani winu.

I (M) am tall, big.

أنے وِنُ.

Ani wintu.

I (F) am tall, big.

أنے وِنتُ.

Baruuk winwa.

You (M) are tall, big.

بَرٌوك وِنوه.

Batuuk wintuwi.

You (F) are tall, big.

بَتٌوك وِنتُوے.

Baruuh winu.

He is tall, big.

بَرٌوه وِنُ.

Batuuh wintu.

She is tall, big.

بَتٌوه وِنتُ.

Pl:

Hinin wawina.

We (M) are tall, big.

هِنِن وَوِنه.

Hinin wawinta.

We (F) are tall, big.

هِنِن وَوِنته.

Baraakna wawinaana.

You (Pl M) are tall, big.

بَراكنه وَوِنانه.

Bataakna wawintaana.

You (Pl F) are tall, big.

بَتاكنه وَوِنتانه.

Baraah wawina.

They (M) are tall, big.

بَراه وَوِنه.

Bataah wawinta.

They (F) are tall, big.

بَتاه وَوِنته.

Reduplicated Adjectives: 'small'

Sg:

Ani disu.

I (M) am small.

أنے دِسُ.

Ani distu.

I (F) am small.

أنے دِستُ.

Baruuk diswa.

You (M) are small.

بَرٌوك دِسوه.

Batuuk distuwi.

You (F) are small.

بَتٌوك دِستُوے.

Baruuh disu.

He is small.

بَرٌوه دِسُ.

Batuuh distu.

She is small.

بَتٌوه دِستُ.

Pl:

Hinin dadisa.

We (M) are small.

هِنِن دَدِسه.

Hinin dadista.

We (F) are small.

هِنِن دَدِسته.

Baraakna dadisaana.

You (Pl M) are small.

بَراكنه دَدِسانه.

Bataakna dadistaana.

You (Pl F) are small.

بَتاكنه دَدِستانه.

Baraah dadisa.

They (M) are small.

بَراه دَدِسه.

Bataah dadista.

They (F) are small.

بَتاه دَدِسته.

NPs with Adjectives as Attributes

<197>

Adjectives not only function as predicates, as in 'the goat is black' - adjectives may also function as attributes, as in 'the black goat...'

Attributes in Indefinite NPs as Subject

<198>

If the noun is indefinite, the adjective precedes the noun, such as 'a brown ox, a small man' etc. Here follow various examples of indefinite NPs with attributes: masculine / feminine, subject / object, singular / plural. (The verbs 'to come', 'to see' are used, but the structure of these verbs may be ignored at this point.)

Hamish sh'a eeya.

A brown ox came.

هَمِش شأه ێيه.

Dibilu tak eeya.

A small man came.

دِبِلُ تَك ێيه.

Hamish sh'a rhan.

I saw a brown ox.

هَمِش شأه رهَن.

Dibilu (dis) tak rhan.

I saw a small / short / little man.

دِبِلُ (دِس) تَك رهَن.

Hadalt n'aay eeta.

A black goat (F) came.

هَدَلت نآي ێته.

Hamisht sh'a eeta.

A brown cow (F) came.

هَمِشت شأه ێته.

Hadalt n'aay rhan.

I saw a black goat (F).

هَدَلت نآي رهَن.

Hamisht sh'a rhan.

I saw a brown cow.

هَمِشت شأه رهَن.

Attributes in Indefinite NPs

Eera tak eeya.

A white man came.

ێره تَك ێيه.

Eera tak rhan.

I saw a white man.

ێره تَك رهَن.

Eeraat takat eeta.

A white woman came.

ێرات تَكَت ێته.

Eeraat takat rhan.

I saw a white woman.

ێرات تَكَت رهَن.

Attributes in Definite NPs

<199>

If the noun is definite, the adjective follows the noun, and both take the definite article, which may be glossed as 'The goat the black (one)'.

<200>

Indefinite noun phrases (above) are not as common as definite noun phrases (below).

<201>

Since this section of the Beja grammar is considered more complicated than other sections, a large number of examples have been provided here in order to cover all possible combinations of gender, number, case, and initial consonant. The different forms of the article should be noticed.

Uutak w'eera eeya.

The white man came.

أُوتَك وُئێره ێيه.

Ootak w'eera rhan.

I saw the white man.

ۆتَك وُئێره رهَن.

Tutakat tu'eera eeta.

The white woman came.

تُتَكَت تُئێره ێته.

Tutakat tu'eera rhan.

I saw the white woman.

تُتَكَت تُئێره رهَن.

Tuun'aay tuhadal eeta.

The black goat (F) came.

تٌونآي تُهَدَل ێته.

Tuush'a tuhamish eeta.

The brown cow came.

تٌوشأه تُهَمِش ێته.

Tubissa tu'eera eeta.

The white cat (F) came.

تُبِسّه تُئێره ێته.

Toon'aay tuhadal rhan.

I saw the black goat (F).

تۆنآي تُهَدَل رهَن.

Toosh'a tuhamish rhan.

I saw the brown cow.

تۆشأه تُهَمِش رهَن.

Tubissa tu'eera rhan.

I saw the white cat (F).

تُبِسّه تُئێره رهَن.

NPs as Subject and Object (Pl F)

Taan'ay tihadala eeyaan.

The black goats (F) came.

تانأَي تِهَدَله ێيان.

Taakam ti'eera gw'iyaan.

The white camels (F) drank.

تاكَم تِئێره قْوإِيان.

Taakam tihadala kwidhiyaan.

The small camels (F) got lost.

تاكَم تِهَدَله كْوِڈِيان.

Taakam ti'eera eeyaan.

The white camels (F) came.

تاكَم تِئێره ێيان.

Teen'ay tihadala rhan.

I saw the black goats (F).

تێنأَي تِهَدَله رهَن.

Teesh'a tihamisha rhan.

I saw the brown cows.

تێشأه تِهَمِشه رهَن.

Tibissa ti'eera rhan.

I saw the white cats (F).

تِبِسّه تِئێره رهَن.

NPs as Subject and Object (Sg M)

Uush'a whamish eeya.

The brown ox came.

أُوشأه وُهَمِش ێيه.

Uukaam w'eera kwidhiya.

The white camel (M) got lost.

أُوكام وُئێره كْوِڈِيه.

Uutak udibilu eeya.

The small man came.

أُوتَك أُدِبِلُ ێيه.

Ubissa w'eera eefi.

The white cat (M) is there.

أُبِسّه وئێره ێفے.

Oosh'a whamish rhan.

I saw the brown ox.

ۆشأه وُهَمِش رهَن.

Ookaam w'eera anaw.

I missed the white camel (M).

ۆكام وُئێره أنَو.

Ootak udibilu rhan.

I saw the small man.

ۆتَك أُدِبِلُ رهَن.

NPs as Subject and Object (Pl M)

Aash'a yhamisha, yhamsha eeyaan.

The brown oxen came.

آشأه يِهَمِشه, يهَمشه ێيان.

Ibissa y'eera eefeen.

The white cats (M) are there.

إبِسّه يِئێره ێفێن.

Aakam yhadala eeyaan.

The black camels (M) came.

آكَم يِهَدَله ێيان.

Aakam idibiloowa (yhiiwa) gw'iyaan.

The small camels (M) (the foals) drank.

آكَم إدِبِلۆوه (يِهٍيوه ) قْوإِيان.

Aanda idibiloowa eeyaan.

The small men came.

آنده إدِبِلۆوه ێيان.

Eesh'a yhamisha rhan.

I saw the brown oxen.

ێشأه يِهَمِشه رهَن.

Eekam y'eera gw'asan.

I gave the white camels (M) to drink.

ێكَم يِئێره قْوأَسَن.

Eenda idibiloowa rhan.

I saw the small men.

ێنده إدِبِلۆوه رهَن.

Ibissa y'eera rhan.

I saw the white cats (M).

إبِسّه يِئێره رهَن.

NPs as Subject (Sg and Pl)

Uutak w'eera eeya.

The white man came.

أُوتَك وُئێره ێيه.

Aanda y'eera eeyaan.

The white men came.

آنده يِئێره ێيان.

Tutakat tu'eera eeta.

The white woman came.

تُتَكَت تُئێره ێته.

Taam'a ti'eera eeyaan.

The white women came.

تامأه تِئێره ێيان.

Uutak w'adaru eeya.

The red man came.

أُوتَك وُأَدَرُ ێيه.

Aanda y'adaroowa, y'adarooya, y'adaru eeyaan.

The red men came.

آنده يِأَدَرۆوه, يِأَدَرۆيه, يأَدَرُ ێيان.

Tutakat tu'adaru eeta.

The red woman came.

تُتَكَت تُأَدَرُ ێته.

Taam'a ti'adaroowa, ti'adarooya eeyaan.

The red women came.

تامأه تِأَدَرۆوه, تِأَدَرۆيه ێيان.

NPs as Object (Sg and Pl)

Ootak udibilu rhan.

I saw the small man.

ۆتَك أُدِبِلُ رهَن.

Eenda idibiloowa, idibilooya rhan.

I saw the small men.

ێنده إدِبِلۆوه, إدِبِلۆيه رهَن.

Tutakat tudibilu rhan.

I saw the small woman.

تُتَكَت تُدِبِلُ رهَن.

Teem'a tidibiloowa, tidibilooya rhan.

I saw the small women.

تێمأه تِدِبِلۆوه, تِدِبِلۆيه رهَن.

Ootak w'eera rhan.

I saw the white man.

ۆتَك وُئێره رهَن.

Tutakat tu'eera rhan.

I saw the white woman.

تُتَكَت تُئێره رهَن.

Eenda y'eera rhan.

I saw the white men.

ێنده يِئێره رهَن.

Teem'a ti'eera rhan.

I saw the white women.

تێمأه تِئێره رهَن.

NPs with Genitives as Attributes

<202>

Another way of expanding a noun phrase is to add a genitive attribute which typically indicates the possessor, as in 'Ali's son'. This phrase has two parts:

  1. The first part is the owner or possessor such as 'Ali's'. This always has a genitive case suffix which consists of the vowels -ii for Genitive (Sg) and -ee for Genitive (Pl), but in word final position, both of them become -i, so that the distinction between Sg and Pl is lost.

  2. The second part is the item owned or possessum, such as 'son'. This is the main part of the phrase, and it takes the case which is required by the total clause.

<203>

For (F) possessors, a -t is suffixed which indicates the gender of the possessor. It really is part of the noun which expresses the possessor, and so it will precede the genitive suffix.

<204>

For (F) items possessum, a -t is suffixed which indicates the gender of the possessum. It is attached after the genitive which precedes the possessum. This -t can be viewed as the definite article of the possessum.

Table 18: Genitive Suffixes

The Possessor is (M):

Word Medial:

-ii...

The possessum is (M).

-ee...

The possessum is (Pl M).

-iit...

The possessum is (F).

-eet...

The possessum is (Pl F).

Word Final:

-i

The possessum is (M).

-i

The possessum is (Pl M).

-iit

The possessum is (F).

-eet

The possessum is (Sg F).

The Possessor is (F):

Word Medial:

-tii...

The possessum is (M).

-tee...

The possessum is (Pl M).

-tiit...

The possessum is (F).

-teet...

The possessum is (Pl F).

Word Final:

-ti

The possessum is (M).

-ti

The possessum is (Pl M).

-tiit

The possessum is (F).

-teet

The possessum is (Sg F).

Genitive Attributes: Interrogative Pronouns

<205>

The question word which asks for the possessor is the interrogative pronoun 'Whose (is it)?'. Beja uses four different forms of 'Whose', depending on gender and number of the item possessed.

Table 19: 'Whose' Interrogative Pronouns

Aayi?

Whose?

آيے?

Aayu? (<Aayii-yu)

Whose (Sg M) is he?

آيُ? (<آيِي - يُ)

Aaytu? (<Aayii-tu)

Whose (Sg F) is she?

آيتُ? (<آيِي - تُ)

Aaya? (<Aayii-ya)

Whose (Pl M) are they?

آيه? (<آيِي - يه)

Aayta? (<Aayii-ta)

Whose (Pl F) are they?

آيته? (<آيِي - ته)

<206>

It is unusual for an indefinite noun such "a horse" to be connected with a possessor such as "boy's". Therefore the following examples are somewhat strange - even though they are perfectly grammatical.

Aayi hataay eeya?

Whose horse came?

آيے هَتاي ێيه?

Sg -i / (Pl) -i

Genitive (Sg) / (Pl):

Oori hataay eeya.

A boy's horse came.

ۆرے هَتاي ێيه.

M'ati hatay eeyaan.

Women's horses came.

مأَتے هَتَي ێيان.

Daayi hatay eeyaan.

People's horses came.

دايے هَتَي ێيان.

Aliiyi hataay rhan.

I saw a horse of Ali's.

ألٍييے هَتاي رهَن.

Genitive Attributes in Definite NPs

<207>

Definite noun phrases with genitives are the norm, and they are very frequent. There are many different combinations of case, number, and gender. They will be found in the examples below, in the following order: (1) Masculine possessor, masculine possessum, (2) Masculine possessor, feminine possessum, (3) Feminine possessor, masculine possessum, (4) Feminine possessor, feminine possessum.

NPs with Genitives as Subject
(M) possessor / (M) possessum

-i

Genitive (Sg):

Utaki hataay eeya.

The man's horse (M) came.

أُتَكے هَتاي ێيه.

Utaki yaas eeya.

The man's dog (M) came.

أُتَكے ياس ێيه.

w'oori hataay eeya.

The boy's horse (M) came.

وؤۆرے هَتاي ێيه.

w'oori yaas eeya.

The boy's dog (M) came.

وؤۆرے ياس ێيه.

-i

Genitive (Pl):

Indaayi hatay eeyaan.

The men's horses (Pl M) came.

إندايے هَتَي ێيان.

Indaayi yas eeyaan.

The men's dogs (Pl M) came.

إندايے يَس ێيان.

Y'ari hatay eeyaan.

The boys' horses (Pl M) came.

يِأَرے هَتَي ێيان.

Y'ari kitab kwidhiyaan.

The boys' books (Pl M) got lost.

يِأَرے كِتَب كْوِڈِيان.

(M) possessor / (F) possessum

-iit / -eet

Genitive (Sg) / (Pl):

Utakiit yaas eeta.

The man's dog (F) came.

أُتَكٍيت ياس ێته.

Utakiit hataay eeta.

The man's horse (F) came.

أُتَكٍيت هَتاي ێته.

W'ooriit hataay eeta.

The boy's horse (F) came.

وؤۆرٍيت هَتاي ێته.

W'ooriit yaas tiyiya.

The boy's dog (F) died.

وؤۆرٍيت ياس تِيِيه.

Indaayeet hatay eeyaan.

The men's horses (F) came.

إندايێت هَتَي ێيان.

Indaayeet yas eeyaan.

The men's dogs (F) came.

إندايێت يَس ێيان.

Y'areet hatay eeyaan.

The boys' horses (F) came.

يِأَرێت هَتَي ێيان.

Y'areet tarabeeza, tarabeeda [10] kat'amiyaan.

The boys' tables (F) broke.

يِأَرێت تَرَبێزه كَتأَمِيان.

(F) possessor / (M) possessum

-ti / -ti

Genitive (Sg) / (Pl):

Tutakatti yaas eeya.

The woman's dog (M) came.

تُتَكَتّے ياس ێيه.

Tutakatti hataay eeya.

The woman's horse (M) came.

تُتَكَتّے هَتاي ێيه.

Tu'ooti hataay eeya.

The girl's horse (M) came.

تؤۆتے هَتاي ێيه.

Tu'ooti yaas iyiya.

The girl's dog (M) died.

تؤۆتے ياس إيِيه.

Tim'ati hatay eeyaan.

The women's horses (M) came.

تِمأَتے هَتَي ێيان.

Tim'ati yas eeyaan.

The women's dogs (M) came.

تِمأَتے يَس ێيان.

Ti'arti hatay eeyaan.

The girls' horses (M) came.

تِأَرتے هَتَي ێيان.

Ti'arti kitab kwidhiyaan.

The girls' books (M)got lost.

تِأَرتے كِتَب كْوِڈِيان.

(F) possessor / (F) possessum

-tiit / -teet

Genitive (Sg ) / (Pl ):

Tutakattiit yaas eeta.

The woman's dog (F) came.

تُتَكَتٍّيت ياس ێته.

Tutakattiit hataay eeta.

The woman's horse (F) came.

تُتَكَتٍّيت هَتاي ێته.

Tu'ootiit hataay eeta.

The girl's horse (F) came.

تؤۆتٍيت هَتاي ێته.

Tu'ootiit yaas tiyiya.

The girl's dog (F) died.

تؤۆتٍيت ياس تِيِيه.

Tim'ateet hatay eeyaan.

The women's horses (F) came.

تِمأَتێت هَتَي ێيان.

Tim'ateet yas eeyaan.

The women's dogs (F) came.

تِمأَتێت يَس ێيان.

Ti'arteet hatay eeyaan.

The girls' horses (F) came.

تِأَرتێت هَتَي ێيان.

Ti'arteet tarabeeza kat'amiyaan.

The girls' tables (F) broke.

تِأَرتێت تَرَبێزه كَتأَمِيان.

More NPs with Genitives in the Subject

Aayi hataay eeya?

Whose horse (M) came?

آيے هَتاي ێيه?

-i / -i

Genitive (Sg) / (Pl):

W'oori hataay eeya.

The boy's horse (M) came.

وؤۆرے هَتاي ێيه.

Tim'ati hatay eeyaan.

The women's horses (M) came.

تِمأَتے هَتَي ێيان.

Indaayi hatay eeyaan.

The people's horses (M) came.

إندايے هَتَي ێيان.

NPs with Genitives as Object
(M) possessor / (F) possessum

-i / -i

Genitive (Sg) / (Pl):

Utaki hataay amiru.

I found the man's horse (M).

أُتَكے هَتاي أمِرُ.

Ugawi baab kat'an.

I broke the door (M) of the houses.

أُقَوے باب كَتأَن.

Igawaayi bab kat'an.

I broke the doors (M) of the houses.

إقَوايے بَب كَتأَن.

Tu'ooti yaas amiru.

I found the girl's dog (M).

تُؤۆتے ياس أمِرُ.

Tutakatiit hataay amiru.

I found the woman's horse (F).

تُتَكَتٍيت هَتاي أمِرُ.

Tu'ootiit hataay amiru.

I found the girl's horse (F).

تُؤۆتٍيت هَتاي أمِرُ.

Genitives in Kinship Terms (Sg) / (Pl)

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More examples of genitives in Kinship terms are given below. The verb structure may be ignored for the time being.

Duuri oor / duuri ar abari.

I have an uncle's son / sons.

دٌورے ۆر / دٌورے أر أبَرے.

Diraati oor / diraati ar abari.

I have an aunt's son / sons.

دِراتے ۆر / دِراتے أر أبَرے.

Oori oor / ari ar abari.

I have a son's son / sons.

ۆرے ۆر / أرے أر أبَرے.

Ootti oor / arti ar abari.

I have a daughter's son / sons.

ۆتے ۆر / أرتے أر أبَرے.

Duuriit oor / duureet arit abari.

I have an uncle's daughter / daughters.

دٌورٍيت ۆر / دٌورێت أرِت أبَرے.

Diraatiit oor / diraateet ar abari.

I have an aunt's daughter / daughters.

دِراتٍيت ۆر / دِراتٍيت أر أبَرے.

Ooriit oor / areet ar abari.

I have a son's daughter / daughters.

ۆرٍيت ۆر / أرتێت أر أبَرے.

Ootiit oor / arteet ar abari.

I have a daughter's daughter / daughters.

ۆتٍيت ۆر / أرتێت أرِت أبَرے.

Win dhiwa abari.

I have a large family.

وِن ڈِوه أبَرے.

Modified Genitive Attributes

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Usually the genitive or possessor is a simple name or noun, as in 'Ali's brother', or 'boy's brother' (see the examples here below).

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But it does happen that the possessor itself is modified by an adjective, e.g. 'big boy's brother'. If this is the case, the possessor must be followed by a form of the word naa-yi 'thing-of'.

Table 20: Modified Genitive Suffixes

naayi

(M) Possessor, (Sg M) or (Pl M) item

نايے

naati

(F) Possessor, (Sg M) or (Pl M) item

ناتے

naayiit, naayeet

(M) Possessor, (Sg F) or (Pl F) item

نايٍيت, نايێت

naatiit, naateet

(F) Possessor, (Sg F) or (Pl F) item

ناتٍيت, ناتێت

W'oor-i san disu.

The boy's brother is small.

وُؤۆر - إ سَن دِسُ.

W'oor oowin naayi san disu.

The tall boy's brother is small.

وُؤۆر ۆوِن نايے سَن دِسُ.

Tu'oot-i san disu.

The girl's brother is small.

تُؤۆت - إ سَن دِسُ.

Tu'oor tuwinti naati san disu.

The tall girl's brother is small.

تُؤۆر تُوِنتے نايتے سَن دِسُ.

W'oor oodis naayiit kwa wintu.

The small boy's sister is tall.

وؤۆر ۆدِس نايٍيت كْوه وِنتُ.

Tu'oor toodis naaytiit kwa wintu.

The small girl's sister is tall.

تؤۆر تۆدِس نايتٍيت كْوه وِنتُ.

W'oor oowin naayi sana dadisa.

The tall boy's brothers are small.

وؤۆر ۆوِن نايے سَنه دَدِسه.

Tu'oor toowin naati sana dadisa.

The tall girl's brothers are small.

تُؤۆر تۆوِن نايتے سَنه دَدِسه.

W'oor oodis naayiit kwa wawinta.

The small boy's sisters are tall.

وؤۆر ۆدِس نايٍيت كْوه وَوِنته.

Tu'oor toodis naaytiit kwa wawinta.

The small girl's sisters are tall.

تُؤۆر تۆدِس نايتٍيت كْوه وَوِنته.

More Examples of Modified Genitives (rare)

Aliiyi dhiwa

Ali's relative

ألٍييے ڈِوه

Aliib eeyadni naayi dhiwa...

the relative of someone called Ali...

ألٍيب ێيَدنے نايے ڈِوه

baladi saalhi tak

a devout man of a country

بَلَدے سالهے تَك

balad gaal naayi saalhi tak

a devout man of one country

بَلَد قال نايے سالهے تَك

udari sikwkwart

sugar from the side

أُدَرے سِكْوكْوَرت

oodar oongaal naayi sikwkwart

sugar from the one side

ۆدَر ۆنقال نايے سِكْوكْوَرت

ooriit gabiila

a son's tribe

ۆرٍيت قَبٍيله

Hummadiin Iisa Oori naayiit gabiila

Hummadiin Isa son's tribe

هُمَّدٍين إيسه ۆرے نايٍيت قَبٍيله

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A: the host, B: the guest, C: the waiter, D: the restaurant owner

#1

A: Yhaa! Amsi gwadu mhasaa!

yiha-a amsi gwad-u mhas-aa

A: Hey you (M), today have lunch together with me!

take-ImpvM today with-PossSg1 have.lunch-ImpvM

#2

B: Yaa salaam, winneet daayiitu!

yaa salaam winneet daayiit-u

B: Oh dear, it is really good!

hello greet-PtcpPast very good-IdSg13F

#3

Ugawiiyook?

u-gaw-ii-yook

In your (M) house?

ArtSgM-house-CasGen-PossSg2

#4

A: Laa laa laa,

laa laa laa

A: No no no,

no no no

#5

Amsi tutakattu kitihayi.

amsi tu-takatt-u kiti-hay-i

Today my wife is not there.

today ArtSgF-woman-PossSg1 NegImpfSg3FPf-be-NegImpfSg3F

#6

Dibiloot halaagaaytiib indhiwaayeeh abaaytu.

dibiloot halaagaayt-iib indhiwaa-yeeh ab-aayt-u

To take care of some business she has gone to her family.

small business-Adv+at family-PossSg3 go-PtcpPast-IdSg3

#7

B: Aflaa, naamhiinaan mhasnay?

aflaa naamhiinaan mhas-nay

B: Then, which place do we eat lunch?

so.then which.place have.lunch-ImpfPl1

#8

A: Usuugiib!

u-suug-iib

A: In the market!

ArtSgM-market-Adv+at

#9

B: Naamhiinaan nimmarari?

naamhiinaan ni-mmarari

B: Where shall we meet?

which.place ImpfPl1Pf-gather

#10

A: Ujaam'iib nimmarari!

u-jaam'-iib ni-mmarari

A: Let us meet at the mosque.

ArtSgM-mosque-Adv+at ImpfPl1Pf-gather

#11

B: Daayiitu. Naadoor?

daayiit-u naadoor

B: Good. When?

good-IdSg13F what.time

#12

A: Toos'a gaat, baabaadhiina!

too-s'a gaat baa-baadhiin-a

A: At one o'clock. Don't forget!

ArtSgFObj-hour one NegImpvMPf-forget-NegImpvM

#13

B: Kak eebdhiin!

kak Zero-eebdhiin

B: How can I forget!

how ImpfSg1Pf-forget

#14

Bariiyook gwad tumhasay -

bariiyook gwad tu-mhasay

To eat together with you (M)

PossSg2M with ArtSgF-lunch

#15

nafirka na teefi?

nafir-ka na t-eefi

is there anything nicer than that?

sweet-than thing ImpfSg3FPf-be

#16

A: Baruuk tihiyisa!

baruuk t-ihiyis-a

A: You (M) are better! (Idiom signifying praise or compliment)

Sg2M PastSg2MPf-be.better-PastSg2M

#17

Yakaa! Daayiit matbakh tikteena?

yak-aa daayiit matbakh ti-kteen-a

A: Let us go (Lit arise)! Do you know a good restaurant?

arise-ImpvM good kitchen ImpfSg2MPf-know-ImpfSg2M

#18

B: Yaa takay, ani amnaabu.

yaa tak-ay ani amnaab-u

B: Oh man, I am a guest.

hello man-Vocat Sg1 guest-IdSg13M

#19

Oon'ubaldiib,

oon-'u-bald-iib

In this place,

NearSgMObjPf-ArtSgM-land-Adv+at

#20

usuugooh daayiib kaakan.

u-suug-ooh daayiib kaa-kan

I don't know the market well.

ArtSgM-market-PossSg3 good NegImpfSg1Pf-know

#21

A: Aflaa, bak ikatiyeek, yakaa!

aflaa bak i-kati-yeek yak-aa

A: So then, if you don't know, come (get up)!

so.then so ImpfSg3MPf-be-Adv+if arise-ImpvM

#22

Daayi matbakh akteen.

daayi matbakh a-kteen

I know a good restaurant.

good kitchen ImpfSg1Pf-know

#23

B: Sagiibu?

sagiib-u

B: Is it far?

far-IdSg13M

#24

A: Winneet sagiib kiiki.

winneet sagiib ki-aki

A: It is not very far.

very far NegImpfSg3MPf-be

#25

A: Shuumaa!

shuum-aa

A: Go (M) in!

enter-ImpvM

#26

B: Daayiitu.

daayiit-u

B: Good.

good-IdSg13F

#27

A: S'a! Naan tami tindiya?

s'-a naan tam-i ti-ndi-ya

A: Sit (M) down! What will you (M) eat?

sit-ImpvM what eat-FutSg ImpfSg2MPf-say-ImpfSg2M

#28

B: Baraah naan ibariin?

baraah naan i-bari-in

B: What do they (M) have?

Pl3M what PerfPl3Pf-have-PerfPl3

#29

A: Hindeeh, hagita, raatni!

hindeeh hagit-a raat-ni

A: Please, wait (M), let us ask.

please wait-ImpvM ask-FutPl

#30

Ooray yhaa! Naan tibariina?

oor-ay yha-a naan ti-bari-ina

Hello waiter (M)! What do you (Pl) have?

boy-hey take-ImpvM what PerfPl2Pf-have-PerfPl2

#31

C: Shaatwa, bataatiswa,

shaat-wa bataatis-wa

C: We have meat, potatoes,

meat-and potato-and

#32

waykaatwa, faasuliyaawwa nibari.

waykaat-wa faasuli-yaa-wwa ni-bari

occra and white beans.

occra-and white.beans-Pl-and PerfPl1Pf-have

#33

A: Naan tami tindiya?

naan tam-i ti-ndi-ya

A: What will you (M) eat?

what eat-FutSg ImpfSg2MPf-say-ImpfSg2M

#34

B: Shaat.

shaat

B: Meat.

meat

#35

A: Maloot sha hiyahoon!

maloot sha hi-ya-hoon

A: Give us two (portions of) meat.

two meat give-ImpvM-ObjPl1

#36

C: Winneet daayiitu!

winneet daayiit-u

C: Very good!

very good-IdSg13F

#37

Weena tihariwna?

weena ti-hariw-na

Do you (M) want anything else?

other.thing ImpfPl2Pf-want-ImpfPl2

#38

A: Awwal toosha haam'aa!

awwal too-sha haam'-aa

A: First bring the meat!

first ArtSgFObj-meat bring-ImpvM

#39

Malyaab niishbibay.

malyaab n-iishbib

Then let us see.

secondly look-FutPl

#40

B: Tushaatuukna na shaatu?

tu-shaat-uukna na shaat-u

B: What kind of meat is your meat?

ArtSgF-meat-PossPl2 thing meat-IdSg13F

#41

C: Tushaatoon, arginaayeet shaatu,

tu-shaat-uun argin-aa-yeet shaat-u

C: Our meat is mutton meat,

ArtSgF-meat-PossPl1 sheep-Pl-CasGen

#42

sh'ayeet shaatu, n'ayteet shaatu.

sh'a-yeet shaat-u n'ayt-eet shaat-u

beef meat, goat meat.

cow-CasGen meat-IdSg13F goat-CasGen meat-IdSg13F

#43

B: Arginaayeet sha tikatiyeek,

argin-aa-yeet sha ti-kati-yeek

B: If there is mutton meat,

sheep-Pl-CasGen meat ImpfSg3FPf-be-Adv+if

#44

hiyahoon.

hi-ya-hoon

Give us [that].

give-ImpvM-ObjPl1

#45

A: Naanhooy shaliktu?

naanhooy shalikt-u

A: Why is it so little?

why little-IdSg13F

#46

C: Y'argina winneet aliyaaba.

y-'argin-a winneet ali-yaab-a

C: The sheep are very expensive.

ArtPlM-sheep-Pl very be.dear-PtcpPast-IdPl13M

#47

B: Hooy baashinhaya!

hooy baa-shinha-ya

B: Don't (M) worry!

at NegImpvMPf-worry-NegImpvM

#48

Kassuuh gaalu.

kass-uuh gaal-u

It's all the same.

all-PossSg3 one-IdSg13M

#49

A: Tushaatuukna winneet daayiitu.

tu-shaat-uukna winneet daayiit-u

A: Your (Pl) meat really is good.

ArtSgF-meat-PossPl2 very good-IdSg13F

#50

Hummaday! Neeshwi?

hummad-ay n-eeshwi

Hummad, hey, shall we order anything in addition (Lit do we add)?

Hummad-Vocat ImpfPl1Pf-add

#51

B: Ani winneet gaban.

ani winneet gab-an

B: I was (became) really full (had enough).

Sg1 very be.full-PerfSg1

#52

Baruuk iishwa tindiyeek, shaawa!

baruuk iishwa-Zero ti-ndi-yeek shaaw-a

If you (M) will have more (Lit add), then have more (Lit add)!

Sg2M add-FutSg ImpfSg3FPf-say-Adv+if add-ImpvM

#53

A: Naan eeshwi?

naan Zero-eeshwi

A: What do I order in addition (Lit add)?

what ImpfSg1Pf-add

#54

Ani winneet ataabu.

ani winneet ataab-u

I am really satisfied.

Sg1 very filled-IdSg13M

#55

Naan gw'ata?

naan gw'-ata

What did (do) you (M) drink?

what drink-SubM

#56

B: Naan ibariin?

naan i-bari-in

B: What do they have?

what PerfPl3Pf-have-PerfPl3

#57

A: Naan tibariina?

naan ti-bari-ina

A: What do you (Pl) have?

what PerfPl2Pf-have-PerfPl2

#58

C: Shaahiib nibari, buun nibari.

shaahiib ni-bari buun ni-bari

C: We have tea, we have coffee.

tea PerfPl1Pf-have coffee PerfPl1Pf-have

#59

B: Buun tibariina?

buun ti-bari-ina

B: You (Pl) have coffee?

coffee PerfPl2Pf-have-PerfPl2

#60

C: Awooh, nibari.

awooh ni-bari

C: Yes, we have.

yes PerfPl1Pf-have

#61

B: Aflaa, wint jabana mheeliit haam'aahoon!

aflaa wint jabana mheel-iit haam'-aa-hoon

B: Then, bring us a big pot of coffee with ginger!

so.then big coffee.pot ginger-CasGen bring-ImpvM-ObjPl1

#62

C: Daayiitu!

daayiit-u

C: Good!

good-IdSg13F

#63

B: Tujabanaatuukna winneet daayiitu.

tu-jabanaat-uukna winneet daayiit-u

B: Your (Pl) coffee is very good.

ArtSgF-coffee.pot-PossPl2 very good-IdSg13F

#64

A: (Matbakhi ankwana gwad:)

matbakh-i ankwana gwad

A: (To the restaurant owner:)

kitchen-CasGen owner with

#65

Whissaab naakaaba?

w-hissaab naakaab-a

How much is the bill?

ArtSgM-calculation how.many-IdPl13M

#66

D: Naan tibariina?

naan ti-bari-ina

D: What did you (Pl) have?

what PerfPl2Pf-have-PerfPl2

#67

A: Maloot shaawwa,

maloot shaa-wwa

A: We had two [portions of] meat,

two meat-and

#68

Wint jabanaawwa nibari.

wint jabanaa-wwa ni-bari

and one big coffee.

big coffee.pot-and PerfPl1Pf-have

#69

D: Kassu whissaab

kass-u w-hissaab

D: All the bill

all-PossSg1 ArtSgM-calculation

#70

mhaytamuntwa aytwa Nakfaata / Gineehiwaata.

mhaytamunt-wa ayt-wa nakfaat-a gineehi-waa-ta

is thirty-five Nakfa / Guinees [11].

thirty-and five-and nakfa-IdPl13F guinee-and-IdPl13F

#71

A: Abika!

abik-a

A: Take!

take-ImpvM

#72

Uunbatuuh aytamunt waragaatu.

uun-batuuh aytamunt waragaat-u

This is fifty notes.

NearSgFSubjPf-Sg3F fifty paper-IdSg13M

#73

D: Aanbataah tamna ayta.

aan-bataah tamna ayt-a

D: These (items) are fifteen (Nakfas, Guinees).

NearPlFSubjPf-Pl2F ten five-IdPl13F

#74

Ahammiidehookna!

a-hammiid-ehookna

I thank you (Pl)!

ImpfSg1Pf-praise-ObjPl2

#75

Hamuud baanaawa! Uumhiin mhiinooknaayu.

hamuud baa-naaw-a uu-mhiin mhiin-ooknaa-yu

May you not lack thanks (Lit praise)! The place is yours (Pl).

praise NegImpvMPf-lack-NegImpvM ArtSgMSubj-place place-PossPl2-IdSg13M

#76

A: Winneet nikteen.

winneet ni-kteen

A: We know (it) much (well).

very ImpfPl1Pf-know

#77

Baruukehan fagar takwa!

baruuk-ehan fagar tak-wa

And you (M) are a nice man.

Sg2M-also brave man-IdSg2M

#78

B: Tumhasay winneet daayiitu.

tu-mhasay winneet daayiit-u

B: The lunch is very good.

ArtSgF-lunch very good-IdSg13F

<212>

١ يِها!أمسے قْوَدُ مهَسا! ٢يا سَلام, وِنّێت دايٍيتُ! ٣أُقَوٍييۆك? ٤لا لا لا, ٥ أَمسے تُتَكَتُّ كِتِهَيے. ٦دِبِلۆت هَلاقايتٍيب إنڈِوايێه أبايتُ. ٧ أفلا, نامهٍينان مهَسنَي? ٨أُسٌوقٍيب! ٩نامهٍينان نِمَّرَرے? ١٠ أُجامإيب نِمَّرَرے! ١١ دايٍيتُ. نادۆر? ١٢ تۆسأه قات, باباڈٍينه! ١٣ كَك ێبڈٍين! ١٤ بَرٍييۆك قْوَد تُمهَسَي ١٥ نَفِركه نه تێفے? ١٦ بَرٌوك تِهِيِسه! ١٧ يَكا! دايٍيت مَتبَخ تِكتێنه? ١٨ يا تَكَي, أنے أمنابُ. ١٩ ۆنءُبَلدٍيب, ٢٠ أُسٌوقۆه دايٍيب كاكَن. ٢١ أفلا, بَك إكَتِيێك, يَكا! ٢٢ دايے مَتبَخ أكتێن. ٢٣ سَقٍيبُ? ٢٤ وِنّێت سَقٍيب كٍيكے. ٢٥ شٌوما! ٢٦ دايٍيتُ. ٢٧ سأه! نان تَمے تِندِيه? ٢٨ بَراه نان إبَرٍين? ٢٩ هِندێه, هَقِتَ, راتنے! ٣٠ ۆرَي يِها! نان تِبَرٍينه? ٣١ شاتوَ, بَتاتِسوَ, ٣٢ وَيكاتوَ, فاسُلِياوّه نِبَرے. ٣٣ نان تَمے تِندِيه? ٣٤ شات. ٣٥ مَلۆت شه هِيَهۆن! ٣٦ وِنّێت دايٍيتُ! ٣٧ وێنه تِهَرِونه? ٣٨ أوَّل تۆشه هامآ! ٣٩ مَلياب نٍيشبِب. ٤٠ تُشاتٌوكنه نه شاتُ? ٤١ تُشاتٌون أرقِنايێت شاتُ, ٤٢ شأَيێت شاتُ, نأَيتێت شاتُ. ٤٣ أرقِنايێت شه تِكَتِيێك, ٤٤ هِيَهۆن. ٤٥ نانهۆي شَلِكتُ? ٤٦ يِأَرقِنه وِنّێت ألِيابه. ٤٧ هۆي باشِنهَيه! ٤٨ كَسٌّوه قالُ. ٤٩ تُشاتٌوكنه وِنّێت دايٍيتُ. ٥٠ هُمَّدَي! نێشوے? ٥١ أنے وِنّێت قَبَن. ٥٢ بَرٌوك إيشوه تِندِيێك, شاوه! ٥٣ نان ێشوے? ٥٤ أنے وِنّێت أتابُ. ٥٥ نان قْوأَته? ٥٦ نان إبَرٍين? ٥٧ نان تِبَرٍينه? ٥٨ شاهٍيب نِبَرِ, بٌون نِبَرے. ٥٩ بٌون تِبَرٍينه? ٦٠ أوۆه, نِبَرے. ٦١ أفلا, وِنت جَبَنه مهێلٍيت هامآهۆن! ٦٢ دايٍيتُ! ٦٣ تُجَبَناتٌوكنه وِنّێت دايٍيتُ. ٦٤ (مَتبَخے أنكْوَنه قْوَد : ) ٦٥ وُهِسّاب ناكابه? ٦٦ نان تِبَرٍينه? ٦٧ مَلۆت شاوَّ, ٦٨ وِنت جَبَناوّه نِبَرے. ٦٩ كَسُّ وُهِسّاب ٧٠ مهَيتَمُنتوه أيتوه نَكفاته. ٧١ أبِكه! ٧٢ أُونبَتٌوه أيتَمُنت وَرَقاتُ. ٧٣ آنبَتاه تَمنه أيته. ٧٤ أهَمٍّيدهۆكنه! ٧٥ هَمٌود باناوه!أُو مهٍين مهٍينۆكنايُ. ٧٦ وِنّێت نِكتێن. ٧٧ بَرٌوكهَن فَقَر تَكْوه! ٧٨ تُمهَسَي وِنّێت دايٍيتُ.

Genitive: Possessive Pronominal Suffixes

<213>

In the following sections, possessive suffixes will be introduced, starting with the most frequent one: 'my', like 'My father (Lit father-my)'.

<214>

The suffix 'my' has different forms, depending on three items: (1) number of possessums, (2) case, and (3) position of the suffix - which can be word final or non-final. But the gender of the possessor does not matter.

<215>

To illustrate the possessive pronouns, some vocatives will be given with their possessive suffixes, such as Usanuuyi! 'Oh my brother!'. It has already been noted that all vocatives require a noun in the subject case. So the examples are in the subject case of the possessive suffix, which is -uu 'my' followed by the vocative suffix -yi.

Baabuuyi!

Oh my father!

بابٌويے!

Usanuuyi!

Oh my brother!

أُسَنٌويے!

Tukwaatuuyi!

Oh my dear sister!

تُكْواتٌويے!

Tutakatuuyi!

Oh my dear wife!

تُتَكَتٌويے !

Kinship Terms with Possessive Suffix 'my'

<216>

Possessive affixes are especially important in Kinship terms: Since relatives always are related to someone else, these terms are used with the possessive suffix . In these constructions, the possessive suffix cannot be dropped. They are obligatory.. In addition, these terms are normally used with a definite article - with one exception: Kinship terms referring to generations older than the speaker, such as father, mother, uncle and aunt, can be used without the definite article. For the other relationship terms, such as brother, sister, son etc., the definite article has to be used.

<217>

A large number of illustrations - including kinship terms and a repetition of the demonstratives - are included here below.

Kinship Terms

<218>

Here is a system of Beja kinship terms, where different forms of the genitive suffix -ii 'of' are used, along with different forms of the possessive pronoun -u / -i 'my (Sg) / my (Pl)'.

Baruuh naat ayaay hook ibari?

What relation does he have to you?

بَرٌوه نات أياي هۆك إبَرے?

Answer:

Baruuh ahoobiiyu hoobaayu.

He is my grandfather's grandfather.

بَرٌوه أهۆبٍييُ هۆبايُ.

Baruuh ahoobooyu.

He is my grandfather.

بَرٌوه أهۆبۆيُ.

Baruuh baabooyu.

He is my father.

بَرٌوه بابۆيُ.

Baruuh duurooyu.

He is my father's brother.

بَرٌوه دٌورۆيُ.

Baruuh hamooyu.

He is my father-in-law.

بَرٌوه هَمۆيُ.

Baruuh m'aliiyooyu.

He is my brother-in-law.

بَرٌوه مأَلٍييۆيُ.

Hinin tiitaaba.

We (M) are twins.

هِنِن تٍيتابه.

Baruuh sanooyu.

He is my brother.

بَرٌوه سَنۆيُ.

Baruuh takooyu.

He is my husband.

بَرٌوه تَكۆيُ.

Baruuh oorooyu.

He is my son.

بَرٌوه ۆرۆيُ.

Baruuh duuriiyu ooru.

He is my father's brother's son.

بَرٌوه دٌورٍييُ ۆرُ.

Baruuh ooriiyu ooru.

He is my son's son.

بَرٌوه ۆرٍييُ ۆرُ.

Baruuh ootiiyu ooru.

He is my daughter's son.

بَرٌوه ۆتٍييُ ۆرُ.

Kinship Terms (F)

Batuuh naat ayaay hook tibari?

What relation does she have to you?

بَتٌوه نات أياي هۆك تِبَرے?

Answer:

Batuuh ahootiitu hootu, ahootu.

She is my grandmother's grandmother.

بَتٌوه أهۆتٍيتُ هۆتُ.

Batuuh ahootootu.

She is my grandmother.

بَتٌوه أهۆتۆتُ.

Batuuh deetootu.

She is my mother.

بَتٌوه دێتۆتُ.

Batuuh diraatootu.

She is my father's sister.

بَتٌوه دِراتۆتُ.

Batuuh m'aliitootu.

She is my sister-in-law.

بَتٌوه مأَلٍيتۆتُ.

Hinin tiitaata.

We (F) are twins.

هِنِن تٍيتاته.

Batuuh kwaatootu.

She is my sister.

بَتٌوه كْواتۆت.ُ

Batuuh takattootu.

She is my wife.

بَتٌوه تَكَتّۆتُ.

Batuuh ootootu.

She is my daughter.

بَتٌوه ۆتۆتُ.

Batuuh diraatiitu ootu.

She is my mother's sister's daughter.

بَتٌوه دِراتٍيتُ ۆتُ.

Batuuh ooriitu ootu.

She is my son's daughter.

بَتٌوه ۆرٍيتُ ۆتُ.

Batuuh ootiitu ootu.

She is my daughter's daughter.

بَتٌوه ۆتٍيتُ ۆتُ.

Possessive Suffix 'my'

Uun'uutak aabu?

Who is this man?

أُونُوتَك آبُ?

Araawooyu.

He is my (M) friend.

أراوۆيُ.

Uuttutakat aabtu?

Who is this woman?

أُوتُّتَكَت آبتُ?

Araawtootu.

She is my (F) friend.

أراوتۆتُ.

Aan'aanda aaba?

Who are these men?

آنآنده آبه?

Araweeya.

They are my (M) friends.

أرَوێيه.

Taattaam'a aabta?

Who are these women?

تاتّامأه آبته?

Arawteeta.

They are my (F) friends.

أرَوتێته.

Indhiwaayaak aaba?

Who are your relatives?

إنڈِواياك آبه?

Ootoowwa ooroowwaaya.

They are my daughter and my son.

ۆتۆوّه ۆرۆوّايه.

Deetoowwa baaboowwaaya.

They are my mother and my father.

دێتۆوّه بابۆوّايه.

Possessive Suffix and Kinship terms

Uunbaruuh aabu?

Who is this (M)?

أُونبَرٌوه آبُ?

Uunbaruuh baabooyu.

He is my father.

أُونبَرٌوه بابۆيُ.

Uunbaruuh duurooyu.

He is my uncle.

أُونبَرٌوه دٌورۆيُ.

Uunbaruuh sanooyu.

He is my brother.

أُونبَرٌوه سَنۆيُ.

Uunbaruuh takooyu.

He is my husband.

أُونبَرٌوه تَكۆيُ.

Uunbaruuh oorooyu, w'oorooyu.

He is my son.

أُونبَرٌوه ۆرۆيُ, وؤۆرۆيُ.

Uunbatuuh aabtu?

Who is this (F)?

أُونبَتٌوه آبتُ?

Uunbatuuh deetootu.

She is my mother.

أُونبَتٌوه دێتۆتُ.

Uunbatuuh diraatootu.

She is my aunt.

أُونبَتٌوه دِراتۆتُ.

Uunbatuuh kwaatootu.

She is my sister.

أُونبَتٌوه كْواتۆتُ.

Uunbatuuh takatootu.

She is my wife.

أُونبَتٌوه تَكَتۆتُ.

Uunbatuuh ootootu, tu'ootootu.

She is my daughter.

أُونبَتٌوه ۆتۆتُ, تُؤۆتۆتُ.

Kinship Terms referring to Generations older than the speaker: Without Article

Baabu keeya? / uun ikati.

Where is my father? / He is here.

بابُ كێيه? / أُون إكَتے.

Baabi keeyaan? / aan ikatiin.

Where are my fathers, elders? / They are here.

بابے كێيان? / آن إكَتٍين.

Deetu keeta? / tuut tikati.

Where is my mother? / She is here.

دێتُ كێته? / تٌوت تِكَتے.

Duuru keeya? / uun ikati.

Where is my uncle? / He is here.

دٌورُ كێيه? / أُون إكَتے.

Duuri keeyaan? / aan ikatiin.

Where are my uncles? / They are here.

دٌورے كێيان? / آن إكَتٍين.

Diraatu keeta? / tuut tikati.

Where is my aunt? / She is here.

دِراتُ كێته? / تٌوت تِكَتے.

Diraati keeyaan? / taan ikatiin.

Where are my aunts? / They are here.

دِراتے كێيان? / تان إكَتٍين.

Kinship terms referring to other generations: With Article

Tutakattu keeta? / tuut tikati.

Where is my wife? / She is here.

تُتَكَتُّ كێته? / تٌوت تِكَتے.

Tim'ati keeyaan? / taan ikatiin.

Where are my wives? / They are here.

تِمأَتے كێيان? / تان إكَتٍين.

Utaku keeya? / uun ikati.

Where is my husband? / He is here.

أُتَكُ كێيه? / أُون إكَتے.

Tu'ootu keeta? / tuut tikati.

Where is my daughter? / They are here.

تُؤۆتُ كێته? / تٌوت تِكَتے.

Ti'arti keeyaan? / taan ikatiin.

Where are my daughters / They are here.

تِأَرتے كێيان? / تان إكَتٍين.

W'ooru keeya? / uun ikati.

Where is my son? / He is here.

وُؤۆرُ كێيه? / أُون إكَتے.

Y'ari keeyaan? / aan ikatiin.

Where are my sons? / They are here.

يِأَرے كێيان? / آن إكَتٍين.

Ukaamu keeya? / uun ikati.

Where is my camel? / It is here.

أُكامُ كێيه? / أُون إكَتے.

Ikami keeyaan? / aan ikatiin.

Where are my camels? / They are here.

إكَمے كێيان? / آن إكَتٍين.

Umeeku keeya? / uun ikati.

Where is my donkey? / It is here.

أُمێكُ كێيه? / أُون إكَتے.

Imaki keeyaan? / aan ikatiin.

Where are my donkeys? / They are here.

إمَكے كێيان? / آن إكَتٍين.

Ugawu keeya? / uun ikati.

Where is my house? / It is here.

أُقَوُ كێيه? / أُون إكَتے.

Igawaayi keeyaan? / aan ikatiin.

Where are my houses? / They are here.

إقَوايے كێيان? / آن إكَتٍين.

Ugalamu keeya? / uun ikati.

Where is my pencil? / It is here.

أُقَلَمُ كێيه? / أُون إكَتے.

Igalamaayi keeyaan? / aan ikatiin.

Where are my pencils? / They are here.

إقَلَمايے كێيان? / آن إكَتٍين.

Possession of Goods: Items (F) With Article

Tun'aaytu keeta? / tuut tikati.

Where is my goat? / It is here.

تُنآيتُ كێته? / تٌوت تِكَتے.

Tin'ayti keeyaan? / taan ikatiin.

Where are my goats? / They are here.

تِنأَيتے كێيان? / تان إكَتٍين.

Tumeektu keeta? / tuut tikati.

Where is my donkey? / It is here.

تُمێكتُ كێته? / تٌوت تِكَتے.

Timakti keeyaan? / taan ikatiin.

Where are my donkeys? / They are here.

تِمَكتے كێيان? / تان إكَتٍين.

Tumastaraatu keeta? / tuut tikati.

Where is my ruler? / It is here.

تُمَستَراتُ كێته? / تٌوت تِكَتے.

Timastaraati keeyaan? / taan ikatiin.

Where are my rulers? / They are here.

تِمَستَراتے كێيان? / تان إكَتٍين.

Possessive Suffixes

<219>

The possessive suffixes for all persons are given in the table below. The four different vowels are those of the different cases and numbers (Subj / Obj Sg), (Subj / Obj Pl).

<220>

The suffixes are used with -y only when they follow a vowel. There is no -y when they follow a consonant.

<221>

The forms for the first person ('of me') have already been given above. If no suffix follows, only -(y)u / -(y)i can be used, rather than -(y)oo / -(y)ee.

<222>

The possessive suffixes for all third persons - i.e. 'of him / of her / of them' - are the same.

Table 21: Possessive Suffixes

Possessum is (Sg):

Kaamuuk eeya / kaamook rhan.

Your camel (M) came. / I saw your camel (M).

كامٌوك ێيه / كامۆك رهَن.

-(y)uu / -(y)oo

my (Subj / Obj)

[-(y)u / -(y)u]

[my (Subj / Obj) (in word final position)]

-(y)uuk / -(y)ook

your (Subj / Obj)

-(y)uuh / -(y)ooh

his or her (Subj / Obj)

-(y)uun / -(y)oon

our (Subj / Obj)

-(y)uukna / -(y)ookna

your (Pl (Subj) / Pl Obj)

-(y)uuh / -(y)ooh

their (Subj / Obj)

Possessums are (Pl):

Kamaak eeyaan / kameek rhan.

Your camels (M) came / I saw your camels (M).

كَماك ێيان / كَمێك رهَن.

-(y)ii / -(y)ee

my (Subj / Obj)

[-(y)i / -(y)i]

[my (Subj / Obj) (in word final position)]

-(y)aak / -(y)eek

your (Subj / Obj)

-(y)aah / -(y)eeh

his or her (Subj / Obj)

-(y)aan / -(y)een

our (Subj / Obj)

-(y)aakna / -(y)eekna

your (Pl Subj / Obj)

-(y)aah / -(y)eeh

their (Subj / Obj)

Kinship Terms (Sg) / (Pl)

Diraatu rhita? / diraatook rhaab kaaki.

Did you see my aunt? I didn't see your aunt.

دِراتُ رهِته? / دِراتۆك رهاب كاكے.

Diraati rhita? / diraateek rhaab kaaki.

Did you see my aunts? I didn't see your aunts.

دِراتے رهِته? / دِراتێك رهاب كاكے.

Deetu rhita? / deetook rhaab kaaki.

Did you see my mother? I didn't see your mother.

دێتُ رهِته? / دێتۆك رهاب كاكے.

Deeti rhita? / deeteek rhaab kaaki.

Did you see my mothers? I didn't see your mothers.

دێتے رهِته? / دێتێك رهاب كاكے.

Tu'ootu rhita? / tu'ootook rhaab kaaki.

Did you see my daughter? I didn't see your daughters.

تُؤۆتُ رهِته? / تُۆتۆك رهاب كاكے.

Ti'arti rhita? / ti'arteek rhaab kaaki.

Did you see my daughters? I didn't see your daughters.

تِأَرتے رهِته? / تِأَرتێك رهاب كاكے.

Tutakattu rhita? / tutakattook rhaab kaaki.

Did you see my wife? I didn't see your wife.

تُتَكَتُّ رهِته? / تُتَكَتّۆك رهاب كاكے.

Tim'ati rhita? / tim'ateek rhaab kaaki.

Did you see my wives? I didn't see your wives.

تِمأَتے رهِته? / تِمأَتێك رهاب كاكے.

<223>

In the next examples, the possessive suffix 'your (Sg)' is first introduced with subject nouns such as baabuuk 'your father (Subj)' and then with object nouns such as baabook 'your father (Obj)'. The case suffix vowels -uu / -oo are those typically used for the subject / object cases respectively. As has been said earlier, the definite articles are not used when referring to generations older than the speaker. The verb structure can be ignored for the time being.

Without Definite Article:

Baabuuk naan tan'i?

What is your father like?

بابٌوك نان تَنإِ?

Deetuuk naan tan'i?

What is your mother like?

دێتٌوك نان تَنإِ?

With Definite Article:

Usanuuk naan tan'i?

What is your brother like?

أُسَنٌوك نان تَنإِ?

Tukwaatuuk naan tan'i?

What is your sister like?

تُكْواتٌوك نان تَنإِ?

W'ooruuk naan tan'i?

What is your son like?

وؤۆرٌوك نان تَنإِ?

Tu'ootuuk naan tan'i?

What is your daughter like?

تُؤۆتٌوك نان تَنإِ?

Without Definite Article:

Baabuuk aab tan'i?

Whom does your father resemble?

بابٌوك آب تَنإِ?

Deetuuk aab tan'i?

Whom does your mother resemble?

دێتٌوك آب تَنإِ?

With Definite Article:

Usanuuk aab tan'i?

Whom does your brother resemble?

أُسَنٌوك آب تَنإِ?

Tukwaatuuk aab tan'i?

Whom does your sister resemble?

تُكْواتٌوك آب تَنإِ?

W'ooruuk aab tan'i?

Whom does your son resemble?

وؤۆرٌوك آب تَنإِ?

Tu'ootuuk aab tan'i?

Whom does your daughter resemble?

تُئۆتٌوك آب تَنإِ?

Kinship Terms as Object

Without Definite Article:

Ani baabook kaakan.

I don't know your father.

أنے بابۆك كاكَن.

Ani deetook kaakan.

I don't know your mother.

أنے دێتۆك كاكَن.

Ani duurook kaakan.

I don't know your uncle.

أنے دٌورۆك كاكَن.

Ani diraatook kaakan.

I don't know your aunt.

أنے دِراتۆك كاكَن.

Ani ahoobook kaakan.

I don't know your grandfather.

أنے أهۆبۆك كاكَن.

Ani ahootook kaakan.

I don't know your grandmother.

أنے أهۆتۆك كاكَن.

With Definite Article:

Ani usanook kaakan.

I don't know your brother.

أنے أُسَنۆك كاكَن.

Ani tukwaatook kaakan.

I don't know your sister.

أنے تُكْواتۆك كاكَن.

Ani utakook kaakan.

I don't know your husband.

أنے أُتَكۆك كاكَن.

Ani tutakattook kaakan.

I don't know your wife.

أنے تُتَكَتّۆك كاكَن.

Ani w'oorook kaakan.

I don't know your son.

أنے وؤۆرۆك كاكَن.

Ani tu'ootook kaakan.

I don't know your daughter.

أنے تؤۆتۆك كاكَن.

<224>

D: the daughter, U: the uncle, M: the mother

#1

D: Aabwa, oobaab inth'i?

aab-wa oob-aab i-nth'i

D: Who are you (M), knocking at the door?

whoObjM-IdSg2M track-PtcpPast ImpfSg3MPf-knock

#2

U: Ani Abrhiimu.

ani abrhiim-u

U: I am Abraham.

Sg1 Abraham-IdSg13M

#3

D: Eetaaneena, eetaaneena!

ee-taan-ee-na

D: Welcome, Welcome!

come-PerfPl2-WH-Thing

#4

Rhinaneetookna!

rhi-na-neet-ookna

Good to see you (Pl)!

see-PerfPl1-WH-PossPl2

#5

U: Tisniyeena!

ti-sni-yee-na

U: Hello (you at home)!

PerfSg2MPf-stay-PerfSg2M-WH-Thing

#6

Rhanayt rhaat baanaawna!

rhanayt baa-naaw-na

Don't fail to be seen!

seeing NegImpvPlPf-lack-NegImpvPl

#7

Deetuuk teefee?

deet-uuk t-eefee

Is your mother there?

mother-PossSg2 ImpfSg3FPf-be

#8

D: Awooh, teefi.

awooh t-eefi

D: Yes, she is there.

yes ImpfSg3FPf-be

#9

Suur baya! Shuumaa!

suur bay-a shuum-aa

Go (M) ahead! Come in!

before go-ImpvM enter-ImpvM

#10

U: Baabuuk naat abaayu?

baab-uuk naat abaay-u

U: Where has your father gone?

father-PossSg2 thing go-PtcpPast-IdSg13M

#11

D: Baabu ushanhooh abaayu.

baab-u u-shanh-ooh abaay-u

D: My father has gone to his work.

father-PossSg1 ArtSgM-work-PossSg3 go-PtcpPast-IdSg13M

#12

Deetuuyi, deetuuyi!

deet-uu-yi deet-uu-yi

Mother, mother!

mother-PossSg1-Vocat mother-PossSg1-CasVocat

#13

Duuru Abrhiim eeya.

duur-u abrhiim ee-ya

My uncle Abraham has come.

uncle-PossSg1 Abraham come-PerfSg3M

#14

M: Yaa eeyaaneena! Keeya, keeya?

yaa ee-taan-ee-na keey-a kee-ya

M: Oh, welcome! Where is he, where is he?

hello come-PerfSg3M-WH-Thing be.where-PerfSg3M be.where-PerfSg3M

#15

D: Ushafatiib eefi.

u-shafat-iib Zero-eefi

D: He is in the men's house.

ArtSgM-men's.house-Adv+at ImpfSg3MPf-be

#16

M: "Suur baya!" diyi! Uugaw gawuuhu.

suur bay-a diy-i uu-gaw gaw-uuh-u

M: Tell him "Go ahead!"! The house is his house.

before go-ImpvM say-ImpvF ArtSgMSubj-house house-PossSg3-IdSg13M

#17

D: Duuruuyi! Deetu waliiktinihook.

duur-uu-yi deet-u waliik-tini-hook

D: My uncle! My mother calls you.

uncle-PossSg1-Vocat mother-PossSg1 call-ImpfSg3F-ObjSg2

#18

U: Daayiitu. Y'i andi.

daayiit-u y'-i a-ndi

U: OK. I will come.

good-IdSg13F come-FutSg ImpfSg1Pf-say

#19

M: Libaabiibaana?

libaabiib-aana

M: Are you (Pl) happy?

happy-IdPl2M

#20

U: Gwirhaab kinbaru.

gwirhaab kin-baru

U: We don't have a problem.

problem NegImpfPl1Pf-have

#21

Baraak kak tihayna, tiheena?

baraak kak ti-hay-na

How are you (Pl)?

Pl2M how PerfPl2Pf-be-PerfPl2

#22

M: Hininhan gwirhaab kinbaru.

hinin-han gwirhaab kin-baru

M: We also don't have problems.

Pl1-also problem NegImpfPl1Pf-have

<225>

١ آبوَ, ۆ باب إنٹإِ? ٢ أنے أبرهٍيمُ. ٣ێتانێنَ, ێ تانێنه! ٤رهِنَنێتۆكنه! ٥تِسنِيێنه! ٦رهَنَيت باناونه! ٧دێتٌوك تێفێ? ٨ أوۆه, تێفے. ٩سٌور بَيه! شٌوما! ١٠ بابٌوك نات أبايُ? ١١ بابُ أُشَنهۆه أبايُ. ١٢ دێتٌويِ, دێتٌويے! ١٣ دٌورُ أبرهٍيم ێيه. ١٤ يا ێتانێنه! كێيَ, كێيه? ١٥ أُشَفَتٍيب ێفے. ١٦ ' سٌور بَيه! ' دِيے!أُو قَو قَوٌوهُ. ١٧ دٌورٌويے !دێتُ وَلٍيكتِنِهۆك. ١٨ دايٍيتُ. يِإِ أندے. ١٩ لِبابٍيبانه? ٢٠ قْوِرهاب كِنبَرُ. ٢١ بَراك كَك تِهَينه? ٢٢ هِنِنهَن قْوِرهاب كِنبَرُ.

Possessive Suffixes (Sg)

You / I:

Oosmook aab eeyadna?

What is your (M) name?

ۆسمۆك آب ێيَدنه?

Oosmu Oosheek eeyadna.

My name is Oosheek.

ۆسمُ ۆشێك ێيَدنه.

Oosmook aab eeyadna?

What is your (F) name?

ۆسمۆك آب ێيَدنه?

Oosmu Zaynab eeyadna.

My name is Zaynab.

ۆسمُ زَينَب ێيَدنه.

He / she:

Oosmooh aab eeyadna?

What is his name?

ۆسمۆه آب ێيَدنه?

Oosmuuh Ali eeyadna.

His name is Ali.

ۆسمٌوه ألے ێيَدنه.

Oosmooh aab eeyadna?

What is her name?

ۆسمۆه آب ێيَدنه?

Oosmuuh Haliimaab eeyadna.

Her name is Halima.

ۆسمٌوه هَلٍيماب ێيَدنه.

Possessive Suffixes (Pl)

Ismaayeekna aab eeyadna?

How (Lit what names) do they call you (M)?

إسمايێكنه آب ێيَدنه?

Ismaayeen Zaynabwa Aminaabwa, Aminaawwa eeyadna.

Our names they call them Zaynab and Amina.

إسمايێن زَينَبوه أمِنابوه / أمِناوّه ێيَدنه.

Ismaahina aab eeyadna?

How (Lit what names) do they call them?

إسماهِنه آب ێيَدنه?

Ismaahina Zaynabwa Aminaabwa eeyadna.

Their (F) names are Zaynab and Amina.

إسماهِنه زَينَبوه أمِنابوه ێيَدنه.

<226>

To express 'self', as in 'myself, yourself' etc, possessive suffixes will be used.

<227>

The possessive suffixes can be attached to different word stems, all of which express 'self'. The stems are the following: kina 'owner', abi 'self', garu 'body', or nifis 'soul'. The most common of these is kina 'owner'.

ani ukinaayu

I myself (Subj)

أنے أُكِنايُ

ani abiiyu

I myself (Subj)

أنے أبٍييُ

ugarooyu

myself (Obj)

أُقَرۆيُ

unifsu

myself (Obj)

أُنِفسُ

abiiyeeb

myself (Obj)

أبٍييێب

<228>

Pronouns like 'myself, yourself' etc. will be expressed with possessive suffixes, such as 'self-my, self-your' etc. The verb 'to see' will be used to illustrate this in the examples below (The verb 'to see' has already been introduced above).

<229>

In all phrases such as 'I myself' (Lit 'I self-my'), the noun kina 'owner' has the definite article. The reason is that words with possessive suffixes are considered definite and tend to have a definite article.

<230>

The sentences below require a subject in the subject case. First 'Sg' will be exemplified, then 'Pl'. So the item possessed (kina- 'owner') has as suffix the vowels -uu and -aa, which are typical for the subject case.

<231>

It should be no surprise that no possessive suffixes are attached to 'his', or 'her', or their'. It has already been noted that the third person suffixes usually are Zero in many instances.

Aaw rhiya?

Who saw (it)?

آو رهِيه?

Answer (Sg):

Ani uknaayu rhan.

I myself saw (it).

أنے أُكنايُ رهَن.

Baruuk uknaayuuk rhitaa.

You (M) yourself saw (it).

بَرٌوك أُكنايٌوك رهِتا.

Batuuk tuknaatuuk rhitaayi.

You (F) yourself saw (it).

بَتٌوك تُكناتٌوك رهِتايے.

Baruuh uukna rhiya.

He himself saw (it).

بَرٌوه أُوكنه رهِيه.

Batuuh tuukna rhita.

She herself saw (it).

بَتٌوه تٌوكنه رهِته.

Answer (Pl):

Hinin iknaayaan rhina.

We ourselves saw (it).

هِنِن إكنايان رهِنه.

Baraakna iknaayaakna rhitaana.

You (Pl M) yourselves saw (it).

بَراكنه إكناياكنه رهِتانه.

Bataakna tiknaataakna rhitaana.

You (Pl F) yourselves saw (it).

بَتاكنه تِكناتاكنه رهِتانه.

Baraah aakna rhiyaan.

They (M) themselves saw (it).

بَراه آكنه رهِيان.

Bataah taakna rhiyaan.

They (F) themselves saw (it).

بَتاه تاكنه رهِيان.

<232>

In the case of ab- 'self', there is a possessive suffix even for 'his', 'her', and 'their'.

Aaw rhiya?

Who saw (it)?

آو رهِيه?

Answer (Sg):

Ani abiiyi rhan.

I myself (Subj) saw (it).

أنے أبٍييے رهَن.

Baruuk abiiyeek rhitaa.

You (M) yourself saw (it).

بَرٌوك أبٍييێك رهِتا.

Batuuk abiiyeek rhitaayi.

You (F) yourself saw (it).

بَتٌوك أبٍييێك رهِتايے.

Baruuh abiiyeeh rhiya.

He himself saw (it).

بَرٌوه أبٍييێه رهِيه.

Batuuh abiiyeeh rhita.

She herself saw (it).

بَتٌوه أبٍييێه رهِته.

Answer (Pl):

Hinin abiiyaan rhina.

We ourselves saw (it).

هِنِن أبٍييان رهِنه.

Baraakna abiiyaakna rhitaana.

You (Pl M) yourselves saw (it).

بَراكنه أبٍيياكنه رهِتانه.

Bataakna abiiyaakna rhitaana.

You (Pl F) yourselves saw (it).

بَتاكنه أبٍيياكنه رهِتانه.

Baraah abiiyaah rhiyaan.

They (M) themselves saw (it).

بَراه أبٍيياه رهِيان.

Bataah abiiyaah rhiyaan.

They (F) themselves saw (it).

بَتاه أبٍيياه رهِيان.

Paradigm abii- 'self (Obj)'

<233>

The possessive suffixes are different for the object case. Here the words 'myself, yourself' etc. are the objects of the sentences. In the following paradigm, the gloss 'self' should be understood as placing emphasis on the particular pronoun.

<234>

Note that the possessive suffixes of abii- 'self' are echoed in the verb suffixes, e.g. -heeb, -hook etc. such as, for instance, the suffix of abii-yeeb 'self-mine' is echoed in the suffix of the verb rhiya-heeb 'saw-me'. These object suffixes will be discussed later, in the context of the verb system.

Aab rhiya?

Whom did he see?

آب رهِيه?

Answer (Sg):

Aneeb abiiyeeb rhiyaheeb.

He saw me (myself).

أنێب أبٍييێب رهِيَهێب.

Barook abiiyeek rhiyahook.

He saw you (M) (yourself).

بَرۆك أبٍييێك رهِيَهۆك.

Batook abiiyeek rhiyahook.

He saw you (F) (yourself).

بَتۆك أبٍييێك رهِيَهۆك.

Barooh abiiyeeh rhiya.

He1 saw him2 (himself2).

بَرۆه أبٍييێه رهِيه.

Batooh abiiyeeh rhiya.

He saw her (herself).

بَتۆه أبٍييێه رهِيه.

Answer (Pl):

Hinin abiiyeen rhiyahoon.

He saw us (ourselves).

هِنِن أبٍييێن رهِيَهۆن.

Bareekna abiiyeekna rhiyahookna.

He saw you (Pl M) (yourselves).

بَرێكنه أبٍييێكنه رهِيَهۆكنه.

Bateekna abiiyeekna rhiyahookna.

He saw you (Pl F) (yourselves).

بَتێكنه أبٍييێكنه رهِيَهۆكنه.

Bareeh abiiyeeh rhiya.

He saw them (M) (themselves).

بَرێه أبٍييێه رهِيه.

Bateeh abiiyeeh rhiya.

He saw them (F) (themselves).

بَتێه أبٍييێه رهِيه.

<235>

Here are more examples for the different case and number forms of the possessive suffixes. In this list, there are third person suffixes.

<236>

Note that the plural term 'families' is used by a husband to refer to his own wife.

Indhiwaayi antooy kihayna.

My families (Subj) (i.e. my wife) are not here.

إنڈِوايے أنتۆي كِهَينه.

Indhiwaayaak antooy kihayna.

Your families (Subj) are not here.

إنڈِواياك أنتۆي كِهَينه.

Indhiwaayaah antooy kihayna.

His / her families (Subj) are not here.

إنڈِواياه أنتۆي كِهَينه.

Indhiwaayaan antooy kihayna.

Our families (Subj) are not here.

إنڈِوايان أنتۆي كِهَينه.

Indhiwaayaakna antooy kihayna.

Your (Pl) families (Subj) are not here.

إنڈِواياكنه أنتۆي كِهَينه.

Indhiwaahina antooy kihayna.

Their families (Subj) are not here.

إنڈِواهِنه أنتۆي كِهَينه.

Possessive Suffixes (Obj)

Indhiwaayi antooy haam'aa!

Bring my family (Obj) (i.e. my wife) them (i.e. her) here!

إنڈِوايے أنتۆي هامآ!

Indhiwaayeek antooy haam'aa!

Bring (M) your family (Obj) here!

إنڈِوايێك أنتۆي هامآ!

Indhiwaayeeh antooy haam'aa!

Bring (M) his / her family (Obj) here!

إنڈِوايێه أنتۆي هامآ!

Indhiwaayeen antooy haam'aa!

Bring (M) our family (Obj) here!

إنڈِوايێن أنتۆي هامآ!

Indhiwaayeekna antooy haam'aa!

Bring (M) your (Pl) family (Obj) here!

إنڈِوايێكنه أنتۆي هامآ!

Indhiwaahina antooy haam'aa!

Bring (M) their family (Obj) here!

إنڈِواهِنه أنتۆي هامآ!

Independent Possessive Pronouns

<237>

Beja has a rich set of independent possessive pronouns, with several forms for 'mine', 'yours', 'his' etc. The following table gives a preliminary overview. The possessive pronouns have different forms for singular and plural, for masculine and feminine. The pronouns are given in the form of complete sentences, such as aniibu 'he is mine' aniitu 'she is mine' etc.

<238>

Note that the pronoun which precedes the copula -u / -a 'is / are' must always be in the object form (object case). For the purpose of understanding these complex pronouns, a morpheme-by-morpheme gloss may be helpful. For instance, aniibu 'it is mine' can be glossed as follows:

an

-ii

-b

-u

Sg1

-of

-MObj

-IdSg13M

<239>

And bateeyeeknaata can be glossed as follows:

bat

-ee

-eeknaa

-t

-a

personF

-of

Pl2

-FObj

-IdPl13M

He (it) (M) is ... :

They (it) (M) are ... :

aniibu

mine

أنٍيبُ

aniiba

mine

أنٍيبه

bariiyooku

yours (M)

بَرٍييۆكُ

bariiyeeka

yours (M)

بَرٍييێكه

batiiyooku

yours (F)

بَتٍييۆكُ

batiiyeeka

yours (F)

بَتٍييێكه

bariiyoohu

his

بَرٍييۆهُ

bariiyeeha

his

بَرٍييێهه

batiiyoohu

hers

بَتٍييۆهُ

batiiyeeha

hers

بَتٍييێهه

hineebu

our

هِنێبُ

hineeba

our

هِنێبه

bareeyooknaayu*

yours (Pl M)

بَرێيۆكنايُ *

bareeyeeknaaya*

yours (Pl M)

بَرێيێكنايه *

bateeyooknaayu*

yours (Pl F)

بَتێيۆكنايُ *

bateeyeeknaaya*

yours (Pl F)

بَتێيێكنايه *

bareehoonaayu*

theirs (M)

بَرێهۆنايُ *

bareehoonaaya*

theirs (M)

بَرێهێنايه *

bateehoonaayu*

theirs (F)

بَتێهۆنايُ *

bateehoonaaya*

theirs (F)

بَتێهێنايه *

She (it) (F) is ... :

They (F) are ... :

aniitu

mine

أنٍيتُ

aniita

mine

أنٍيته

bariitooktu

yours (M)

بَرٍيتۆكتُ

bariiteekta

yours (M)

بَرٍيتێكته

batiitooktu

yours (F)

بَتٍيتۆكتُ

batiiteekta

yours (F)

بَتٍيتێكته

bariihtootu

his

بَرٍيهتۆتُ

bariihteeta

his

بَرٍيهتێته

batiihtootu

hers

بَتٍيهتۆتُ

batiihteeta

hers

بَتٍيهتێته

hineetu

our

هِنێتُ

hineeta

our

هِنێته

bareeteeknaatu*

yours (Pl M)

بَرێتۆكناتُ *

bareeteeknaata*

yours (Pl M)

بَرێتێكناته *

bateeteeknaatu*

yours (Pl F)

بَتێتۆكناتُ *

bateeteeknaata*

yours (Pl F)

بَتێتێكناته *

bareetehoonaatu*

theirs (M)

بَرێهتۆناتُ *

bareeteheenaata*

theirs (M)

بَرێهتێناته *

bateetehoonaatu*

theirs (F)

بَتێهتۆناتُ *

bateeteheenaata*

theirs (F)

بَتێهتێناته *

<240>

* For the pronouns marked with an asterisk there are alternative forms with -ii instead of -ee.

<241>

In the following examples, the possessive pronoun for the first person, i.e. 'mine', will be presented.

Uun'uugaw aayu?

Whose is this house?

أُونُوقَو آيُ?

Uun'uugaw aniibu.

This house is mine.

أُونُوقَو أنٍيبُ.

Uun'uugalam aayu?

Whose is this pencil?

أُونُوقَلَم آيُ?

Uun'uugalam aniibu.

This pencil is mine.

أُونُوقَلَم أنٍيبُ.

Uuttutarabeeda, tuuttutarabeeza aaytu?

Whose is this table?

أُوتُّتَرَبێده, تٌوتُّتَرَبێزه آيتُ?

Uuttutarabeeda, tuuttutarabeeza aniitu.

This table is mine.

أُوتُّتَرَبێده, تٌوتُّتَرَبێزه أنٍيتُ.

Uuttu'oor, tuuttu'oor aaytu?

Whose is this girl?

أُوتُّؤۆر, تٌوتُّؤۆر آيتُ?

Uuttu'oor, tuuttu'oor aniitu.

This girl is mine.

أُوتُّؤۆر, تٌوتُّؤۆر أنٍيتُ.

Possessive Pronouns: First and second person (Sg / Pl)

<242>

The full set of possessive pronouns will be presented below, proceeding from (Sg) to (Pl) items possessed, and from (M) to (F) - including all persons as possessors (mine, yours, etc.) for each set.

Uunbaruuh aayu?

Whose is this (M)?

أُونبَرٌوه آيُ?

Uunbaruuh bariiyooku.

This (M) is yours (M).

أُونبَرٌوه بَرٍييۆكُ.

Uunbatuuh aaytu?

Whose is this (F)?

أُونبَتٌوه آيتُ?

Uunbatuuh batiitooktu.

This (F) is yours (F).

أُونبَتٌوه بَتٍيتۆكتُ.

Aanbaraah aaya?

Whose are these (M)?

آنبَراه آيه?

Aanbaraah bariiyeeka.

These (M) are yours (M).

آنبَراه بَرٍييێكه.

Aanbataah aayta?

Whose are these (F)?

آنبَتاه آيته?

Aanbataah batiiteekta.

These (F) are yours (F).

آنبَتاه بَتٍيتێكته.

Possessive Pronouns: First and second person (M / F)

Uunbaruuh aayu?

Whose is this (M)?

أُونبَرٌوه آيُ?

Uunbaruuh aniibu.

This (M) is mine.

أُونبَرٌوه أنٍيبُ.

Uunbaruuh bariiyooku.

This (M) is yours (M).

أُونبَرٌوه بَرٍييۆكُ.

Uunbaruuh batiiyooku.

This (M) is yours (F).

أُونبَرٌوه بَتٍييۆكُ.

Uunbatuuh aaytu?

Whose is this (F)?

أُونبَتٌوه آيتُ?

Uunbatuuh aniitu.

This (F) is mine.

أُونبَتٌوه أنٍيتُ.

Uunbatuuh bariitooktu.

This (F) is yours (M).

أُونبَتٌوه بَرٍيتۆكتُ.

Uunbatuuh batiitooktu.

This (F) is yours (F).

أُونبَتٌوه بَتٍيتۆكتُ.

Possessive Pronouns: First and second person (Pl M / F)

Aanbaraah aaya?

Whose are these (M)?

آنبَراه آيه?

Aanbaraah aniiba.

These (M) are mine.

آنبَراه أنٍيبه.

Aanbaraah bariiyeeka.

These (M) are yours (M).

آنبَراه بَرٍييێكه.

Aanbaraah batiiyeeka.

These (M) are yours (F).

آنبَراه بَتٍييێكه.

Aanbataah aayta?

Whose are these (F)?

آنبَتاه آيته?

Aanbataah aniita.

These (F) are mine.

آنبَتاه أنٍيته.

Aanbataah bariiteekta.

These (F) are yours (M).

آنبَتاه بَرٍيتێكته.

Aanbataah batiiteekta.

These (F) are yours (F).

آنبَتاه بَتٍيتێكته.

Possessive Pronouns: Singular Masculine Item Possessed

Uun'uukaam aayu?

Whose is this camel (M)?

أُونُوكام آيُ?

Aniibu.

It (M) is mine.

أنٍيبُ.

Bariiyooku.

It (M) is yours (M).

بَرٍييۆكُ.

Batiiyooku.

It (M) is yours (F).

بَتٍييۆكُ.

Bariiyoohu, bariiyoosu.

It (M) is his, It (M) is his (in Gash Barka dialect).

بَرٍييۆهُ, بَرٍييۆسُ.

Batiiyoohu, batiiyoosu.

It (M) is hers.

بَتٍييۆهُ, بَتٍييۆسُ.

Uun'uukaam Hasaniibu?

Is this camel (M) Hassan's?

أُونُوكام هَسَنٍيبُ?

Hineebu.

It (M) is ours.

هِنێبُ.

Bareeyooknaayu, bariiyooknaayu.

It (M) is yours (Pl M).

بَرێيۆكنايُ, بَرٍييۆكنايُ.

Bateeyooknaayu, batiiyooknaayu.

It (M) is yours (Pl F).

بَتێيۆكنايُ, بَتٍييۆكنايُ.

Bareehoonaayu, bariihoonaayu.

It (M) is theirs (M).

بَرێهۆنايُ, بَرٍيهۆنايُ.

Bateehoonaayu, batiihoonaayu.

It (M) is theirs (F).

بَتێهۆنايُ, بَتٍيهۆنايُ.

Possessive Pronouns: Plural Masculine Item Possessed

Aan'aakam aaya?

Whose are these camels (M)?

آنآكَم آيه?

Aniiba.

They (M) are mine.

أنٍيبه.

Bariiyeeka.

They (M) are yours (M).

بَرٍييێكه.

Batiiyeeka.

They (M) are yours (F).

بَتٍييێكه.

Bariiyeeha.

They (M) are his.

بَرٍييێهه.

Batiiyeeha.

They (M) are hers.

بَتٍييێهه.

Aan'aakam Aliiba?

Are these camels (M) Ali's?

آنآكَم ألٍيبه?

Hineeba.

They (M) are ours.

هِنێبه.

Bareeyeeknaaya.

They (M) are yours (Pl M).

بَرێيێكنايه.

Bateeyeeknaaya.

They (M) are yours (Pl F).

بَتێيێكنايه.

Bareeheenaaya.

They (M) are theirs (M).

بَرێهێنايه.

Bateeheenaaya.

They (M) are theirs (F).

بَتێهێنايه.

Possessive Pronouns: Singular Feminine Item Possessed

Uuttuukaam aaytu, aayiitu?

Whose is this camel (F)?

أُوتٌّوكام آيتُ, آيٍيتُ?

Aniitu.

It (F) is mine.

أنٍيتُ.

Bariitooktu.

It (F) is yours (M).

بَرٍيتۆكتُ.

Batiitooktu.

It (F) is yours (F).

بَتٍيتۆكتُ.

Bariihtootu, bariitoostu.

It (F) is his.

بَرٍيهتۆتُ, بَرٍيتۆستُ.

Batiihtootu, batiitoostu.

It (F) is hers.

بَتٍيهتۆتُ, بَتٍيتۆستُ.

Uuttuukaam, tuuttuukaam Zaynabiitu?

Is this camel (F) Zaynab's?

أُوتٌّوكام, تٌوتٌّوكام زَينَبٍيتُ?

Hineetu? / hineetu.

Is it (F) ours? / It (F) is ours.

هِنێتُ? / هِنێتُ.

Bareetooknaatu.

It (F) is yours (Pl M).

بَرێتۆكناتُ.

Bateetooknaatu.

It (F) is yours (Pl F).

بَتێتۆكناتُ.

Bareehtoonaatu.

It (F) is theirs (M).

بَرێهتۆناتُ.

Bateehtoonaatu.

It (F) is theirs (F).

بَتێهتۆناتُ.

Possessive Pronouns: Plural Feminine Item Possessed

Aattaakam aayta, aayiita?

Whose are these camels (F)?

آتّاكَم آيته, آيٍيته?

Aniita.

They (F) are mine.

أنٍيته.

Bariiteekta.

They (F) are yours (M).

بَرٍيتێكته.

Batiiteekta.

They (F) are yours (F).

بَتٍيتێكته.

Bariihteeta, bariiteesta.

They (F) are his.

بَرٍيهتێته, بَرٍيتێسته.

Batiihteeta, batiiteesta.

They (F) are hers.

بَتٍيهتێته, بَتٍيتێسته.

Aattaakam Zaynabiitwa Aliitwaata?

Are the camels (F) Zaynab's and Ali's?

آتّاكَم زَينَبٍيتوه ألٍيتواته?

Hineeta.

They (F) are ours.

هِنێته.

Bareeteeknaata.

They (F) are yours (Pl M).

بَرێتێكناته.

Bateeteeknaata.

They (F) are yours (Pl F).

بَتێتێكناته.

Bareehteenaata.

They (F) are theirs (M).

بَرێهتێناته.

Bateehteenaata.

They (F) are theirs (F).

بَتێهتێناته.

<243>

#1-26 male responses, #27-35 female responses

#1

Baruuk d'uuraawa?

baruuk d'uuraa-wa

Are you (M) married?

Sg2M married-IdSg2M

#2

Ani d'uuraabu.

ani d'uuraab-u

I am married.

Sg1 married-IdSg13M

#3

Ar tibariya?

ar ti-bari-ya

Do you have children?

children PerfSg2MPf-have-PerfSg2M

#4

Awooh, ar abari.

awooh ar a-bari

Yes, I have children.

yes children PerfSg1Pf-have

#5

Naaka ar tibariya?

naaka ar ti-bari-ya

How many children do you (M) have?

how.many children PerfSg2MPf-have-PerfSg2M

#6

Malu ar abari.

malu ar a-bari

I have two children.

two children PerfSg1Pf-have

#7

Ismaahina aab eeyadna?

i-sm-aa-hina aab eeyad-na

What are their names?

ArtPlM-name-Pl-PossPl3 whoObjM ImpfPl3Pf-say-ImpfPl3

#8

Ismaahina Oomarwa Zaynabwa eeyadna.

i-sm-aa-hina oomar-wa zaynab-wa eeyad-na

Their names are Omar and Zaynab.

ArtPlM-name-Pl-PossPl3 Omar-and Zaynab-and ImpfPl3Pf-say-ImpfPl3

#9

Gwadook eefeen?

gwad-ook eefee-n

Are they with you?

with-PossSg2 ImpfPl3Pf-be-ImpfPl3

#10

Gwadu kihayna.

gwad-u ki-hay-na

They are not with me.

with-PossSg1 NegImpfPl3Pf-be-NegImpfPl3

#11

Naamhiin eefeen?

naamhiin eefee-n

Where are they?

which.place ImpfPl3Pf-be-ImpfPl3

#12

Iritriiya / Masireeb eefeen.

iritriiya masir-eeb Zero-eefee-n

They are in Eritrea / Egypt.

Eritrea Egypt-Adv+at ImpfPl3Pf-be-ImpfPl3

#13

Naan daayeen?

naan daa-yeen

What are they doing?

what do-ImpfPl3

#14

Tuungaal agriitni, uuraaw shagaamiini.

tuu-ngaal agrii-tni uu-raaw shagaam-iini

The one learns (Lit reads), the other works.

ArtSgFSubj-one read-ImpfSg3F ArtSgMSubj-other work-ImpfSg3M

#15

W'ooruuk d'uraabu?

w-'oor-uuk d'ur-aab-u

Is your boy married?

ArtSgM-boy-PossSg2 marry-PtcpPast-IdSg13M

#16

Awooh, d'uraabu.

awooh d'ur-aab-u

Yes, he is married.

yes marry-PtcpPast-IdSg13M

#17

Ar ibari?

ar i-bari

Does he have children?

children PerfSg3MPf-have

#18

Malu ar ibari.

malu ar i-bari

He has two children.

two children PerfSg3MPf-have

#19

Gaal dibiloobu, uuraaw winu.

gaal dibiloob-u uu-raaw win-u

One is small, the other is big.

one small-IdSg13M ArtSgMSubj-other big-IdSg13M

#20

Batuuk ad'uuraatuwi?

batuuk ad'uuraat-uwi

Are you (F) married?

Sg2F married-IdSg2F

#21

Ani ad'uuraatu.

ani ad'uuraat-u

I am married.

Sg1 married-IdSg13F

#22

Ar tibarii / tibariyi?

ar ti-bari-yi

Do you have children?

children PerfSg2FPf-have-PerfSg2F

#23

Awooh, abari.

awooh a-bari

Yes, I have.

yes PerfSg1Pf-have

#24

Naaka ar tibarii?

naaka ti-bari-i

How many children do you (F) have?

how.many children PerfSg2FPf-have-PerfSg2F

#25

Gaal oorwa gaat oorwa abari.

gaal oor-wa gaat oor-wa a-bari

I have one boy and one girl.

one boy-and oneF child-and PerfSg1Pf-have

#26

Ismaahina aab eeyadna?

i-sm-aa-hina aab eeyad-na

What are their names?

ArtPlM-name-Pl-PossPl3 whoObjM ImpfPl3Pf-say-ImpfPl3

#27

Ismaahina Aliiwwa Haliimaawwa eeyadna.

i-sm-aa-hina alii-wwa haliimaab-wa eeyad-na

Their names are Ali and Halima.

ArtPlM-name-Pl-PossPl3 Ali-and Halima-and ImpfPl3Pf-say-ImpfPl3

#28

Gwadook eefeen?

gwad-ook eefee-n

Are they with you?

with-PossSg2 ImpfPl3Pf-be-ImpfPl3

#29

Gwadu eefeen.

gwad-u eefee-n

They are with me.

with-PossSg1 ImpfPl3Pf-be-ImpfPl3

#30

Naan daayeen?

naan daa-yeen

What do they do?

what do-ImpfPl3

#31

Agriiyeen.

agrii-yeen

They learn (Lit read).

read-ImpfPl3

#32

Baraah dibiloowaaba.

baraah dibiloowaab-a

They are small.

Pl2M small-IdPl13M

#33

Kashagaamiyaan.

ka-shagaam-iyaan

They don't work.

NegImpfPl3Pf-work-NegImpfPl3

#34

Batuukehan, naan shaga shagaamtinii?

batuuk-ehan naan shaga shagaam-tinii

And you (F), what work do you (F) do?

Sg2F-also what work work-ImpfSg2F

#35

Ani maktabiib shagaamani.

ani maktab-iib shagaam-ani

I work in an office.

Sg1 office-Adv+at work-ImpfSg1

<244>

١ بَرٌوك دُوراوه? ٢ أنے دُورابُ. ٣ أر تِبَرِيه? ٤ أوۆه, أرَبَرے. ٥ناكه أر تِبَرِيه? ٦مَلُ أر أبَرے. ٧إِسماهِنه آب ێيَدنه? ٨إِسماهِنه ۆمَروه زَينَبوه ێيَدنه. ٩قْوَدۆك ێفێن? ١٠ قْوَدُ كِهَينه. ١١ نامهٍين ێفێن? ١٢ إرِترٍييه / مَسِرێب ێفێن. ١٣ نان دايێن? ١٤ تٌونقال أقرٍيتنِ, أُو راو شَقامٍينے. ١٥ وؤۆرٌوك دءُرابُ? ١٦ أوۆه, دءُرابُ. ١٧ أر إبَرے? ١٨ مَلُ أر إبَرے. ١٩ قال دِبِلۆبُ, أُو راو وِنُ. ٢٠ بَتٌوك أدُوراتُوے? ٢١ أنے أدُوراتُ. ٢٢ أر تِبَرِي? ٢٣ أوۆه, أبَرے. ٢٤ ناكه أر تِبَرِي? ٢٥ قال ۆروه قات ۆروه أبَرے. ٢٦ إسماهِنه آب ێيَدنه? ٢٧ إسماهِنه ألٍيوّه هَلٍيماوّه ێيَدنه. ٢٨ قْوَدۆك ێفێن? ٢٩ قْوَدُ ێفێن. ٣٠ نان دايێن? ٣١ أقرٍييێن. ٣٢ بَراه دِبِلۆوابه. ٣٣ كَشَقامِيان. ٣٤ بَتٌوكهَن, نان شَقه شَقامتِنِي? ٣٥ أنے مَكتَبٍيب شَقامَنے.

Quantity: Numerals and Plurals

<245>

Nouns are not only characterized by expressions of quality and ownership, but also by their quantity - such as 'one (big boy), two (big boys), half (a month)' etc. Apart from the plural formation, exact quantity is also expressed by numerals such as 'one', or 'two'.

<246>

Since numerals always refer to the entire noun phrase, their place is at the beginning or the end of the phrase.

Interrogatives 'How much / many?'

<247>

The interrogatives which ask for quantities vary with the gender, number and case of the quantified.

Naaka ... ?

How many?

ناكه...?

Naakaab ... ?

How many (M)?

ناكاب...?

Naakaat ... ?

How many (F)?

ناكات...?

Naakaatu?

How much is it (F)? (i.e. what is the cost?)

ناكاتُ?

Naakaaba?

How much are they (M)?

ناكابه?

Naakaata?

How much are they (F)?

ناكاته?

Naaka doora?

How many times?

ناكه دۆره?

Naaka naayeeh?

How much of (the things)? / For how much?

ناكه نايێه?

<248>

Here follow some common examples of sentences with the questions 'how much, how many?'

Tuus'a naakaatu?

How much (i.e. what) is the time?

تٌوسأه ناكاتُ?

Ibirtukaani kiilu naakaaba?

How much is (are) a kilo (of) oranges?

إبِرتُكانے كٍيلُ ناكابه?

Tumadrasaatiiyookna ti'arit naakaata?

How many are the girls of your (Pl) school?

تُمَدرَساتٍييۆكنه تِأَرِت ناكاته?

Interrogative Numerals 2

<249>

If the question includes the noun (e.g. how many men?), the question word has its position at the beginning of the NP.

Naaka nda eeyaan?

How many men came?

ناكه نده ێيان?

Naaka ingadna?

How many remained?

ناكه إنقَدٍين?

Naaka doora jarrabiya?

How often, how many times did he try?

ناكه دۆره جَرَّبِيه?

Naaka naayeeh nidlib niyha?

For how much (Lit how-many things-of) did we buy (it)?

ناكه نايێه نِدلِب نِيِهه?

Naakaab hooy harriiwa?

How much do you want for it?

ناكاب هۆي هَرٍّيوه?

Naaka sana tibariya?

How many brothers do (M) you have?

ناكه سَنه تِبَرِيه?

Naakaat massi tibariya?

How many years do you have (have you lived)?

ناكات مَسّے تِبَرِيه?

Numerals

<250>

The numerals are different for gender and case. When the numerals are used in the subject case, the gender / object suffix -b will not be expressed, and the final vowels of numerals like maloo- / asaramaa- 'two / seven' will be reduced phonologically: malu / asarama (aa>a, ee>i, oo>u). The smaller numbers behave like adjectives, and the larger ones like nouns.

Naakaaba? / naakaata?

How many are they? (M) / (F)

ناكابه? / ناكاته?

Number 1:

gaal / gaat

one (M) / (F)

قال / قات

uungaal

the only one (M), one of two (M)

أُونقال

tuungaal, tuungaat

the only one (F), one of two (F)

تٌونقال, تٌونقات

gaalib / gaalit

some (M) / (F)

قالِب / قالِت

<251>

Numbers 1-10:

gaal / gaat

one (M) / (F)

قال / قات

maloob / maloot

two (M) / (F)

مَلۆب / مَلۆت

mhay / mhayt

three (M) / (F)

مهَي / مهَيت

fadhig / fadhigt

four (M) / (F)

فَڈِق / فَڈِقت

ay / ayt

five (M) / (F)

أي / أيت

asagwir / asagwitt

six (M) / (F)

أسَقْوِر / أسَقْوِتّ

asaramaab / asaramaat

seven (M) / (F)

أسَرَماب / أسَرَمات

asumhay / asumhayt

eight (M) / (F)

أسُمهَي / أسُمهَيت

ashshadhig / ashshadhigt

nine (M) / (F)

أششَڈِق / أششَڈِقت

tamin / tamint

ten (M) / (F)

تَمِن / تَمِنت

<252>

Numbers 11-20:

tamnagwir / tamnagwitt

eleven (M) / (F)

تَمنَقْوِر / تَمنَقْوِتّ

tamnamaloob / tamnamaloot

twelve (M) / (F)

تَمنَمَلۆب / تَمنَمَلۆت

tamna mhay / tamna mhayt

thirteen (M) / (F)

تَمنه مهَي / تَمنه مهَيت

tamna fadhig / tamna fadhigt

fourteen (M) / (F)

تَمنه فَڈِق / تَمنه فَڈِقت

tamna ay / tamna ayt

fifteen (M) / (F)

تَمنه أي / تَمنه أيت

tamna asagwir / tamna asagwitt

sixteen (M) / (F)

تَمنه أسَقْوِر / تَمنه أسَقْوِتّ

tamna asaramaab / tamna asaramaat

seventeen (M) / (F)

تَمنه أسَرَماب / تَمنه أسَرَمات

tamna asumhay / tamna asumhayt

eighteen (M) / (F)

تَمنه أسُمهَي / تَمنه أسُمهَيت

tamna ashshadhig / tamna ashshadhigt

nineteen (M) / (F)

تَمنه أششَڈِق / تَمنه أششَڈِقت

tagwuugw / tagwuugwt

twenty (M) / (F)

تَقْوِقْو / تَقْوِقْوت

<253>

Numbers 30-100, 200, 1.000, 1.000.000:

mhay tamun / mhay tamunt

thirty (M) / (F)

مهَي تَمُن / مهَي تَمُنت

fadhig tamun / fadhig tamunt

forty (M) / (F)

فَڈِق تَمُن / فَڈِق تَمُنت

ay tamun / ay tamunt

fifty (M) / (F)

أي تَمُن / أي تَمُنت

asagwir tamun / asagwir tamunt

sixty (M) / (F)

أسَقْوِر تَمُن / أسَقْوِر تَمُنت

asarama tamun / asarama tamunt

seventy (M) / (F)

أسَرَمه تَمُن / أسَرَمه تَمُنت

asumhay tamun / asumhay tamunt

eighty (M) / (F)

أسُمهَي تَمُن / أسُمهَي تَمُنت

ashshadhig tamun / ashshadhig tamunt

ninety (M) / (F)

أششَڈِق تَمُن / أششَڈِق تَمُنت

sheeb

hundred (M)

شێب

malu shi

two hundred (M)

مَلُ شے

alif

thousand (M)

ألِف

milyoon

million (M)

مِليۆن

<254>

Radio speaker

#1

Tumnazzama, ootrig umhayaaywa ootrig w'ayaaywa,

tu-mnazzama oo-trig u-mhayaay-wa oo-trig w-'ayaay

The organization, in the third month and the fifth month,

ArtSgF-office ArtSgMObj-month ArtSgM-third-and ArtSgMObj-month ArtSgM-fifth

#2

oosh'ab y'iweeniit tushamaamtiib

oo-sh'ab i-sham-neet tu-shamaamt-iib

in line with the support with which they supported the people

ArtSgMObj-people PerfPl3Pf-help-PerfPl3-WH ArtSgF-help-Adv+at

#3

alifwa asagwirt tamun meetrik toon shirnaaywa

alif-wa asagwitt tamun meetrik toon shirnaay-wa

(they distributed) thousand and sixty metric tons sorghum and

thousand-and six ten metric tons sorghum-and

#4

sheebwa mhay tamuun meetrik toon sikwkwartwa

sheeb-wa mhay tamuun meetrik toon sikwkwart-wa

hundred and thirty metric tons sugar

hundred-and three tens metric tons sugar-and

#5

masi gadi asriifiyaaneet toona

masi gad-i asriif-iyaan-eet too-na

which they distributed to them

yet stand-Sub distribute-PerfPl3-WH ArtSgFObj-thing

#6

tumnazzamaati maktabii eeyaan ihabaar isookinnahoon.

tu-mnazzamaat-i maktab-ii ee-yaan y-habaar i-sookin-na

they made known this news which was issued from the office of the organization.

ArtSgF-office-CasGen office-Adv+off come-PerfPl3 ArtPlM-news PerfPl3Pf-let.know-PerfPl3

<255>

١ تُمنَزَّمَ, ۆ ترِق أُمهَيايوه ۆترِق وأَياي, ٢ۆشأَب إشَمنێت تُشَمامتٍيب ٣ ألِفوه أسَقْوِتّ تَمُن مێترِك تۆن شِرنايوه ٤ شێبوه مهَي تَمٌون مێترِك تۆن سِكْوكْوَرتوه ٥مَسے قَدے أسرٍيفِيانێت تۆنه ٦ تُمنَزَّماتے مَكتَبِي ێيان يِهَبار إسۆكِنّه.

Numerals and People

Naaka nda?

How many men (people)?

ناكه نده?

gaal tak / (n)gaat takat [12]

one man / woman

قال تَك / (ن) قات تَكَت

malu (n)da / maloot m'a (m'at) [13]

two men / women

مَلُ (ن) ده / مَلۆت مأه (مأَت)

mhay (n)da / mhayt m'a

three men / women

مهَي (ن) ده / مهَيت مأه

fadhig (n)da / fadhigt m'a

four men / women

فَڈِق (ن) ده / فَڈِقت مأه

ay (n)da / ayt m'at

five men / women

أي (ن) ده / أيت مأَت

asagwir da / asagwitt m'a

six men / women

أسَقْوِر ده / أسَقْوِتّ مأه

asarama da / asaramaat m'a

seven men / women

أسَرَمه ده / أسَرَمات مأه

asumhay da / asumhayt m'a

eight men / women

أسُمهَي ده / أسُمهَيت مأه

ashshadhig da / ashshadhigt m'a

nine men / women

أششَڈِق ده / أششَڈِقت مأه

tamin da / tamint m'a

ten men / women

تَمِن ده / تَمِنت مأه

tamnagwir da / tamnagwitt m'a

eleven men / women

تَمنَقْوِر ده / تَمنَقْوِتّ مأه

tamnamalu da / tamnamaloot m'a

twelve men / women

تَمنَمَلُ ده / تَمنَمَلۆت مأه

Full Hours

Tuus'a naakaatu?

What is the time?

تٌوسأه ناكاتُ?

Tuus'a gaatu.

The time is 1:00.

تٌوسأه قاتُ.

Tuus'a malootu.

The time is 2:00.

تٌوسأه مَلۆتُ.

Tuus'a mhaytu.

The time is 3:00.

تٌوسأه مهَيتُ.

Tuus'a fadhigtu.

The time is 4:00.

تٌوسأه فَڈِقتُ.

Tuus'a aytu.

The time is 5:00.

تٌوسأه أيتُ.

Tuus'a asagwittu.

The time is 6:00.

تٌوسأه أسَقْوِتُّ.

Tuus'a asaramaatu.

The time is 7:00.

تٌوسأه أسَرَماتُ.

Tuus'a asimhaytu / asumhaytu.

The time is 8:00.

تٌوسأه أسِمهَيتُ / أسُمهَيتُ.

Tuus'a ashshadhigtu.

The time is 9:00.

تٌوسأه أششَڈِقتُ.

Tuus'a tamintu.

The time is 10:00.

تٌوسأه تَمِنتُ.

Tuus'a tamnagwittu.

The time is 11:00.

تٌوسأه تَمنَقْوِتُّ.

Tuus'a tamnamalootu.

The time is 12:00.

تٌوسأه تَمنَمَلۆتُ.

Naadoor?

When (Lit What time)?

نادۆر?

Toos'a tamnagwitt ma'aahoon!

Come (Sg) to us at eleven!

تۆسأه تَمنَقْوِتّ مَآهۆن!

Toos'a gaat, baabaadhiina!

At one, don't (Sg) forget!

تۆسأه قات, باباڈٍينه!

Toos'a mhayt th'ana!

Phone (Pl) at three!

تۆسأه مهَيت ٹأَنه!

Hours and Minutes

The following two are used frequently:

Tuus'a gaatwa tarabwa.

The time is half past one.

تٌوسأه قاتوه تَرَبوه.

Tuus'a malootwa tarabwa.

The time is half past two.

تٌوسأه مَلۆتوه تَرَبوه.

The following are used less frequently:

Tuus'a gaatwa aytwaata, aytwaatu.

The time is 1:05.

تٌوسأه قاتوه أيتواته, أيتواتُ.

Tuus'a gaatwa tamintwaata, tamintwaatu.

The time is 1:10.

تٌوسأه قاتوه تَمِنتواته, تَمِنتواتُ.

Tuus'a gaatwa rib'uwwaata.

The time is 1:15.

تٌوسأه قاتوه رِبءُوّاته.

Tuus'a gaatwa tagwgwitwaata.

The time is 1:20.

تٌوسأه قاتوه تَقْوقْوِتواته.

Tuus'a gaatwa tagwgwa aytwaata.

The time is 1:25.

تٌوسأه قاتوه تَقْوقْوه أيتواته.

Tuus'a gaatwa tarabwaatu.

The time is 1:30.

تٌوسأه قاتوه تَرَبواتُ.

Tuus'a maloot tagwgwa ayt anootu.

The time is 25 to 2:00.

تٌوسأه مَلۆت تَقْوقْوه أيت أنۆتُ.

Tuus'a maloot tagwuugwt anootu.

The time is 20 to 2:00.

تٌوسأه مَلۆت تَقْوٌوقْوت أنۆتُ.

Tuus'a maloot rib'u anootu.

The time is 15 to 2:00.

تٌوسأه مَلۆت رِبءُ أنۆتُ.

Tuus'a maloot tamint anootu.

The time is 10 to 2:00.

تٌوسأه مَلۆت تَمِنت أنۆتُ.

Tuus'a maloot ayt anootu.

The time is 5 to 2:00.

تٌوسأه مَلۆت أيت أنۆتُ.

<256>

For numerals which express fractions, Arabic loan words or adjectival derivations may be used.

timmiima / Timmiimaabu.

complete, full, whole / It is complete.

تِمٍّيمه / تِمٍّيمابُ.

tarab

half

تَرَب

tilit

third

تِلِت

rub'u, ribu'u / Rub'oohu.

quarter / It is a quarter.

رُبءُ, رِبُءُ / رُبئۆهُ.

khumus / Khumusu.

fifth / It is a fifth.

خُمُس / خُمُسُ.

sudus / Sudusu.

sixth / It is a sixth.

سُدُس / سُدسُ.

tumun / Tumunu.

tenth / It is a tenth.

تُمُن / تُمنُ.

Numerals: Ordinal

<257>

Ordinal numerals are adjectives. Some are also used as adverbs. The term malyaab 'second', for instance, also serves as an adverb meaning 'after that, secondly, again'.

awwal / w'awwal / uutak udabaayi / Baruuh suuriya.

first / the first (M) / the first man / He was first.

أوَّل / وُأَوَّل / أُوتَك أُدَبايے / بَرٌوه سٌورِيه.

maliiya / umaliiya / tumaliiya

second / the second (M) / the second (F)

مَلٍييه / أُمَلٍييه / تُمَلٍييه

mhaya / umhaya / tumhaya

third / the third (M) / the third (F)

مهَيه / أُمهَيه / تُمهَيه

aakhar / w'aakhar / tu'aakhar / tu'aakhariinaa

last / the last (M) / the last (F)

آخِر / وُآخِر / تُآخِر / تُآخِرٍيناي

awwalhoob / w'awwaliiya

firstly / the first (M)

أوَّلهۆب / وأَوَّلٍييه

malyaab / umaliiya

then / the second (M)

مَلياب / أُمَلٍييه

mhaya / umhaya

third / the third (M)

مهَيه / أُمهَيه

fadhiga / ufadhiga

fourth / the fourth (M)

فَڈِقه / أُفَڈِقه

ayiiya / w'ayiiya

fifth / the fifth (M)

أيٍييه / وأَيٍييه

w'agiiya / w'aakhariib / tu'aakhariit

finally / last (M)

وأَقٍييه / وُآخَرٍيب / تُآخَرٍيت

<258>

C: customer, T: trader

#1

Ti-Nafir Naati Suugiib.

ti nafir naat-i suug-iib

On the Fruit Market

ArtPlFRel sweet thing-CasGen market-Adv+at

#2

C: Salaam alaykwum!

salaam alaykwum

C: Greetings!

greeting (Ar)

#3

T: Alaykwum assalaam!

alaykwum assalaam

T: Greetings!

greeting (Ar)

#4

C: Libaabi mhataana?

libaabi mha-taana

C: Did you spend the morning, night well?

happy spend.morning-PerfPl2

#5

T: Daayiib mhana.

daayiib mha-na

T: We did spend the morning, night well.

good spend.morning-PerfPl1

#6

T: Baraak(-na) kak mhataana?

baraak baraakna kak mha-taana

T: How did you spend the morning, night ?

Pl2M Pl2M how spend.morning-PerfPl2

#7

C: Gwirhaab kinbaru.

gwirhaab kin-baru

C: We don't have any problems.

problem NegImpfPl1Pf-have

#8

Amsi usuuguukna kak tan'i?

amsi u-suug-uukna kak Zero-tan'i

How is your market today?

today ArtSgM-market-PossPl2 how ImpfSg3MPf-be.similar

#9

T: Shabahu. Naan harriiwi?

shabah-u naan Zero-harriiw-i

T: It is OK. What do you (F) look for?

moderate-IdSg13M what ImpfSg2FPf-want-ImpfSg2F

#10

C: Ani ti-aharriiw-i birtukaanwa moozwaaya.

ani ti a-harriiw i birtukaan-wa mooz-waa-ya

C: What I need is oranges and bananas.

Sg1 ArtPlFRel ImpfSg1Pf-want ArtPlMRel orange-and banana-Con+and-IdPl13M

#11

T: Eenbareeh kasseeh nibari.

een-bareeh kass-eeh ni-bari

T: We have all of these.

NearPlMObjPf-PlMObj all-PossSg3 PerfPl1Pf-have

#12

C: Ibirtukaani kiilu naakaaba?

i-birtukaan-i kiilu naakaab-a

C: How much is a kilo oranges?

ArtPlM-orange-CasGen kilo how.many-IdPl13M

#13

Umoozhan naan katimu?

u-mooz-han naan katim-u

And how much are the bananas (Lit reach up to what)?

ArtSgM-banana-also what reach-IdSg13M

#14

T: Ibirtukaani kiilu tamin Gineehiita / Nakfaata.

i-birtukaan-i kiilu tamin gineehiit-a nakfaat-a

T: Of oranges, one kilo is ten Guinees / Nakfas.

ArtPlM-orange-CasGen kilo ten Guinee-IdPl13F Nakfa-IdPl13F

#15

Umoozhan ayt Gineehi / Nakfa kantiim.

u-mooz-han ayt gineehi nakfa Zero-kantiim

And the bananas are (Lit reach) five Guinees / Nakfas.

ArtSgM-banana-also five Guinee Nakfa ImpfSg3MPf-arrive

#16

C: Yaa takay!

yaa tak-ay

C: Oh man!

hello man-Vocat

#17

Usuuguukna amsi winneet aliyaabu!

u-suug-uukna amsi winneet aliyaab-u

Your wares (Lit the market) are really expensive today!

ArtSgM-market-PossPl2 today very expensive-IdSg13M

#18

Naat hooy dhibata?

naat hooy dhib-ata

Will you not reduce this?

thing at reduce-SubM

#19

T: Anaa kwaatu!

anaa kwaat-u

T: You sister!

hey sister-PossSg1

#20

Naat hooy baadhibayu.

naat hooy baa-dhib-ay-u

There is nothing I can reduce.

thing at NegSubSg1Pf-reduce-NegSubM-IdSg13M

#21

Laakiin, batiiyook jillaayi,

laakiin batiiyook jillaa-yi

But, for your (F) sake,

but PossSg2F reason-CasGen

#22

ubirtukaani kiilu ashshadhigt kwaasat.

u-birtukaan-i kiilu ashshadhigt kwaas-at

let me say then the kilo oranges is nine (Guinees).

ArtSgM-orange-CasGen kilo nine create-Sub

#23

Umoozhan, fadhigtwa tarabt kwaasat.

u-mooz-han fadhigt-wa tarabt kwaas-at

And the bananas, let me say it is four and half

ArtSgM-banana-also four-and half create-Sub

#24

C: Bak ikatiyeek, daayiib sakta!

bak i-kati-yeek daayiib sak-ta

C: If that is so, you did well!

so ImpfSg3MPf-be-Adv+if good do-PerfSg3F

#25

Aflaa, mhay kiilu birtukaaniiwwa

aflaa mhay kiilu birtukaan-ii-wwa

Well then, (give me) three kilo oranges

so.then three kilo orange-CasGen-and

#26

malu kiilu muuziiwwa hiyaheeb!

malu kiilu muuz-ii-wwa hi-ya-heeb

and give me two kilo bananas!

two kilo banana-CasGen-and give-ImpvM-ObjSg1

#27

T: Abiki!

abik-i

T: Take (F)!

take-ImpvF

#28

C: Miriya!

miri-ya

C: Thanks (M) (Lit find it)!

find-ImpvM

#29

T: Biishinhayi!

bii-shinha-yi

T: Don't worry (F) (Lit don't bother)!

NegImpvFPf-worry-NegImpvF

#30

C: Kassa hiddaab naakaab ikatiin?

kassa hiddaab naakaab i-kati-in

C: How much is all this together?

all together how.many ImpfPl3Pf-be-ImpfPl3

#31

T: Hindeeh hagtiin! Shibbatay!

hindeeh hagit-ii-n shibb-atay

T: Please wait (F)! Let me see!

please wait-ImpvF-Con+please look-PermSg1

#32

Ubirtukaan tagwgwa asaramaata.

u-birtukaan tagwgwa asaramaat-a

The oranges are twenty-seven.

ArtSgM-orange twenty seven-IdPl13F

#33

Oomooz ashshadhigta.

oo-mooz ashshadhigt-a

The bananas are nine.

ArtSgMObj-banana nine-IdPl13F

#34

Kasta hiddaab mhay tamun(t)wa asagwitt jineehiiwwaata.

kast-a hiddaab mhay tamunt-wa asagwitt jineehii-wwaat-a

All together (these) are thirty-six Guinees.

all-Pl together three tens-and six guinee-and-IdPl13F

#35

C: Aanbataah ay tamun jineehiita.

aan-bataah ay tamun jineehiit-a

C: Here are fifty Guinees.

NearPlFSubjPf-Pl2F five ten guinee-IdPl13F

#36

T: Aflaa, batook ti-eebiituuk tamna fadhigt jineehiita.

aflaa batook ti eebi-i-t-uuk tamna fadhigt jineehiit-a

T: Well then, you (F) what you get is fourteen Guinees.

so.then Sg2FObj ArtPlFRel ImpfSg2FPf-go-ImpfSg2F-WH-PossSg2 ten four guinee-IdPl13F

#37

T: Ahamidehook!

a-hamid-ehook

T: I thank you!

PerfSg1Pf-praise-ObjSg2

#38

C: Hamuud biinaawi!

hamuud bii-naaw-i

C: Please (Lit may you (F) not lack praise)!

praise NegImpvFPf-lack-NegImpvF

#39

T: L'aab aaymi!

l'-aab aaym-i

T: Spend (F) the day well (Lit cool)!

be.cool-PtcpPast spend.day-ImpvF

#40

C: L'aab aayma!

l'-aab aaym-a

C: Spend (M) the day well!

be.cool-PtcpPast spend.day-ImpvM

T: Asigaab!

asigaab

T: Fine! (the idiomatic reply, Lit peaceful)

peaceful

C: Umdhhanookna!

u-mdhhan-ookna

C: May you live!

ArtSgM-living-PossPl2

<259>

١ تُنَفِر ناتے سٌوقٍيب. ٢سَلام ألَيكْوُم! ٣ ألَيكْوُم أسَّلام! ٤لِبابے مهَتانه? ٥دايٍيب مهَنه. ٦بَراك (بَراكنه ) كَك مهَتانه? ٧قْوِرهاب كِنبَرُ. ٨ أمسے أُسٌوقٌوكنه كَك تَنإِ? ٩شَبَهُ. نان هَرٍّيوے? ١٠ أنے تأَهَرٍّيوے بِرتُكانوه مۆزوايه. ١١ ێنبَرێه كَسّێه نِبَرے. ١٢ إبِرتُكانے كٍيلُ ناكابه? ١٣ أُمۆزهَن نان كَتِمُ? ١٤ إبِرتُكانے كٍيلُ تَمِن قِنێهٍيته / نَكفاته. ١٥ أُمۆزهَن أيت قِنێهے / نَكفه كَنتٍيم. ١٦ يا تَكَي! ١٧ أُسٌوقٌوكنه أمسے وِنّێت ألِيابُ! ١٨ نات هۆي ڈِبَته? ١٩ أنا كْواتُ! ٢٠ نات هۆي باڈِبَيُ. ٢١ لاكٍين, بَتٍييۆك جِلّايِ, ٢٢ أُبِرتُكانے كٍيلُ أششَڈِقت كْواسَت. ٢٣ أُمۆزهَن, فَڈِقتوه تَرَبت كْواسَت. ٢٤ بَك إكَتِيێك, دايٍيب سَكته! ٢٥ أفلا, مهَي كٍيلُ بِرتُكانٍيوّه ٢٦ مَلُ كٍيلُ مٌوزٍيوّه هِيَهێب! ٢٧ أبِكے! ٢٨ مِرِيه! ٢٩ بٍيشِنهَيے! ٣٠ كَسّه هِدّاب ناكاب إكَتٍين? ٣١ هِندێه هَقِتٍين! شِبَّتَي! ٣٢ أُبِرتُكان تَقْوقْوه أسَرَماته. ٣٣ ۆمۆز أششَڈِقته. ٣٤ كَسته هِدّاب مهَي تَمُنتوه أسَقْوِتّ جِنێهٍيوّاته. ٣٥ آنبَتاه أي تَمُن جِنێهٍيته. ٣٦ أفلا, بَتۆك تِێبٍيتٌوك تَمنه فَڈِقت جِنێهٍيته. ٣٧ أهَمِدهۆك! ٣٨ هَمٌود بٍيناوے! ٣٩ لآب آيمے! ٤٠ لآب آيمه! (أسِقاب ) / آيِمنه!أُمڈهَنۆكنه!

Indefinite Numeral

<260>

Words like eeneenaaka 'any' and naat 'something' refer to indefinite quantities, and they are only used in questions and negations. They will be exemplified together with singular and plural forms of nouns.

Indefinite Numeral: 'Any' 1

Gwirhaab eeneenaaka tibariya?

Do you have any problems?

قْوِرهاب ێنێناكه تِبَرِيه?

Kaam / kam eeneenaaka tibariya?

Do you (M) have any camel (M) / camels (M)?

كام / كَم ێنێناكه تِبَرِيه?

Mhallagaab eeneenaaka tibariya?

Do you have any money?

مهَلَّقاب ێنێناكه تِبَرِيه?

Kwat / kwaat eeneenaaka tibariya?

Do you have any sisters / sister?

كْوَت / كْوات ێنێناكه تِبَرِيه?

Sanaab / san eeneenaaka tibariya?

Do you have any brothers / brother?

سَناب / سَن ێنێناكه تِبَرِيه?

Indefinite Numeral: 'Any' 2

Mhallagaab eeneenaaka kaabaru.

I don't have any money.

مهَلَّقاب ێنێناكه كابَرُ.

M'ariit eeneenaaka tamaab kaaki.

I didn't eat any food.

مأَرٍيت ێنێناكه تَماب كاكے.

Buun eeneenaaka gw'aab kaaki.

I haven't had any coffee.

بٌون ێنێناكه قْوآب كاكے.

Naat eeneenaaka kaabaru.

I don't have anything.

نات ێنێناكه كابَرُ.

Naat ad'a kaadi.

I won't, don't want to do anything.

نات أدأه كادے.

Amsi shanha eeneenaaka daayaab, d'iyaab kaaki.

I haven't done any work yesterday.

أمسے شَنهه ێنێناكه داياب, دإِياب كاكے.

Plural Formation Object 1

Kaam / kam tibariya?

Do you (M) have a camel (Sg) / (Pl)?

كام / كَم تِبَرِيه?

Jabanaat / jabanaat tibariya?

Do you (M) have a coffee pot (Sg) / (Pl)?

جَبَنات / جَبَنات تِبَرِيه?

Kwubbaayt / kwubbayt tibariya?

Do you (M) have a cup (Sg) / (Pl)?

كْوُبّايت / كْوُبَّيت تِبَرِيه?

Kwoobaat / kwoobaat tibariya?

Do you (M) have a bowl (Sg) / (Pl)?

كْوۆبات / كْوۆبات تِبَرِيه?

Hadhiib / hadhiib tibariya?

Do you (M) have bread (Sg) / (Pl)?

هَڈٍيب / هَڈٍيب تِبَرِيه?

<261>

Some of the most frequently used kinship terms have unpredictable forms. Note especially tak / da 'man / men', and takat / m'a 'woman/women'.

Sanaab / san abari.

I have a brother / brothers.

سَناب / سَن أبَرے.

Kwaat / kwat (kwaat) abari.

I have a sister / sisters.

كْوات / كْوَت (كْوات ) أبَرے.

Duuraab / duuraab abari.

I have an uncle / uncles.

دٌوراب / دٌوراب أبَرے.

Diraat / diraat abari.

I have an aunt / aunts.

دِرات / دِرات أبَرے.

Oor / ar abari.

I have a son / sons.

ۆر / أر أبَرے.

Oot / arit abari.

I have a daughter / daughters.

ۆت / أرِت أبَرے.

Ahooba (hooba) / hoobaab abari.

I have a grandfather / grandfathers.

أهۆبه (هۆبه ) / هۆباب أبَرے.

Ahoot (hoot) / hoot abari.

I have a grandmother / grandmothers.

أهۆت (هۆت ) / هۆت أبَرے.

Plural Formation of Kinship Terms 2

Naaka sana tibariya?

How many brothers do (M) you have?

ناكه سَنه تِبَرِيه?

Gaal san / malu sana abari.

I have one / two brother(s).

قال سَن / مَلُ سَنه أبَرے.

Gaat kwa / maloot kwa abari.

I have one / two sister(s).

قات كْوه / مَلۆت كْوه أبَرے.

Gaal duura / malu duura abari.

I have one / two uncle(s).

قال دٌوره / مَلُ دٌوره أبَرے.

Gaat duura / maloot dira abari.

I have one / two aunt(s).

قات دٌوره / مَلۆت دِره أبَرے.

Gaal oor / malu ar abari.

I have one / two son(s).

قال ۆر / مَلُ أر أبَرے.

Gaat oor / maloot arit abari.

I have one / two daughter(s).

قات ۆر / مَلۆت أرِت أبَرے.

Gaal hoob / malu hooba abari.

I have one / two grandfather(s).

قال هۆب / مَلُ هۆبه أبَرے.

Gaat ahu / maloot hu abari.

I have one / two grandmother(s).

قات أهُ / مَلۆت هُ أبَرے.

<262>

C: customer, T: trader

#1

Uharrooyi Suugiib.

u-harroo-yi suug-iib

At the Grain Shop

ArtSgM-grain-CasGen market-Adv+at

#2

C: Salaam alaykwum!

salaam alaykwum

C: Greetings!

greeting (Ar)

#3

T: Alaykwum assalaam!

alaykwum assalaam

T: Greetings!

greeting (Ar)

#4

C: Libaabi mhataana?

libaabi mha-taana

C: Did you (Pl) spend the day well?

happy spend.morning-PerfPl2

#5

T: Daayiib mhana.

daayiib mha-na

T: We spent the day well.

good spend.morning-PerfPl1

#6

Baraak kak mhataana?

baraak kak mha-taana

How did you (Pl) spend the day?

Pl2M how spend.morning-PerfPl2

#7

C: Gwirhaab kinbaru.

gwirhaab kin-baru

C: We do not have any problem.

problem NegImpfPl1Pf-have

#8

Biltuub tibariya?

biltuub ti-bari-ya

Do you (M) have (any) sorghum?

sorghum PerfSg2MPf-have-PerfSg2M

#9

T: Awooh, abari.

awooh a-bari

T: Yes, I have.

yes PerfSg1Pf-have

#10

C: Hindeeh rhisaanheeb!

hindeeh rhis-aa-n-heeb

C: Please show me (some)!

please show-ImpvM-please-ObjSg1

#11

T: Ahi, ahayi! Shibibi!

ah-i shibib-i

T: Take (F) (some)! Look (F) (at it)!

take-ImpvF look-ImpvF

#12

C: Gaayiibuhan sh'iyaabu?

gaayiib-u-han sh'i-yaab-u

C: Is it fresh or old?

new-IdSg13M-also be.old-PtcpPast-IdSg13M

#13

T: Awooh, gaayiibu.

awooh gaayiib-u

T: Yes it is fresh.

yes new-IdSg13M

#14

Kak sh'iya biltu giigisnay?

kak sh'iya biltu giigis-nay

How could we sell old millet?

how old millet let.go-ImpfPl1

#15

Laakiin batuuk, gaayiib hana sh'iyaab ikatiyeet toona,

laakiin batuuk gaayiib hana sh'i-yaab i-kati-yeet too-na

But you (F), whether it is fresh or old,

but Sg2F new or be.old-PtcpPast ImpfSg3MPf-be-WH ArtSgFObj-thing

#16

kak teekani?

kak t-eekan-i

how do you know (that)?

how ImpfSg2FPf-know-ImpfSg2F

#17

C: D'amsiit ashanbiib.

d'ams-ii-t a-shanbiib

C: I taste and I look.

taste-PermSg3M-and ImpfSg1Pf-look

#18

Nanfiireek (nafir ikatiyeek),

nanfiir-eek nafir i-kati-yeek

If it is tasty,

be.sweet-ImpfSg2M-Adv+if sweet ImpfSg3MPf-be-Adv+if

#19

Gaayiib ikatiyeet toona eekani.

gaayiib i-kati-yeet too-na Zero-eekani

I know that it is fresh.

new ImpfSg3MPf-be-WH ArtSgFObj-thing ImpfSg1Pf-know

#20

Hammiyeek (hamiib ikatiyeek),

Zero-hammi-yeek hamiib i-kati-yeek

If it is bitter,

ImpfSg3MPf-bitter-Adv+if bitter ImpfSg3MPf-be-Adv+if

#21

sh'iyaab ikatiyeet toona eekani.

sh'i-yaab i-kati-yeet too-na Zero-eekani

I know that it is old.

old-PtcpPast ImpfSg3MPf-be-WH ArtSgFObj-thing ImpfSg1Pf-know

#22

T: Yaa takatay!

yaa takat-ay

T: Oh you woman!

hello woman-Vocat

#23

Batuuk dir'aatkinaatuwi?

batuuk dir'aatkinaat-uwi

Are you (F) from a farm (Lit a farmer woman)?

Sg2F farmer-IdSg2F

#24

C: Awooh, dir'aatkinaatu.

awooh dir'aatkinaat-u

C: Yes I am from a farm (Lit a farmer woman).

yes farmer-IdSg13F

#25

Aneeb ushat heeb,

aneeb ush-at heeb

If you leave me out,

ObjSg1 leave-Sub ObjSg1

#26

Ahootiitu tu'ahu dir'aatkinaatu.

ahoot-iit-u tu-'ahu dir'aatkinaat-u

My grandmother's grandmother was from a farm (Lit a farmer woman).

grandmother-CasGen-PossSg1 ArtSgF-grandmother farmer-IdSg13F

#27

"Whindi ugadamiihooda dhibiini" eeyadna.

w-hindi u-gadam-ii-hoo-da dhib-iini eeyad-na

"The tree falls on its roots" they say.

ArtSgM-tree ArtSgM-root-CasGen-PossSg3-AdvGen+for fall-ImpfSg3M ImpfPl3Pf-say-ImpfPl3

#28

T: Sidkiituwi.

sidkiit-uwi

T: You are right.

true-IdSg2F

#29

C: Turoob'iyaay toongaal naakaaba?

tu-roob'iyaay too-ngaal naakaab-a

C: How much are they, one quarter (of them)?

ArtSgF-quarter ArtSgFObj-one how.many-IdPl13M

#30

T: Tagwgwa ayt Gineehiita / Nakfaata.

tagwgwa ayt gineehiit-a nakfaat-a

T: They cost (Lit are) twenty-five Guinees / Nakfa.

twenty five Guinee-IdPl13F Nakfa-IdPl13F

#31

C: Naan tidiya?!

naan ti-di-ya

C: What do you (M) say?!

what PerfSg2MPf-say-PerfSg2M

#32

T: "Tagwgwa ayt Gineeheeta / Nakfaata" adi.

tagwgwa ayt gineeheet-a nakfaat-a a-di

T: I said "They are twenty-five Guinees / Nakfa".

twenty five Guinee-IdPl13F Nakfa-IdPl13F PerfSg1Pf-say

#33

C: Bak tidiyeek, s'aliyaab kittaa?

bak ti-di-y-eek s'ali-yaab kit-ta-a

C: If you say so, haven't you (M) made (it) more expensive?

so PerfSg2MPf-say-PerfSg2M-Adv+if make.expensive-PtcpPast NegImpfSg2MPf-be-NegImpfSg2M

#34

T: S'aliyaab akatiyeet toona kahiisan.

s'ali-yaab a-kati-yeet too-na ka-hiis-an

T: I do not think that I am making it more expensive.

make.expensive-PtcpPast ImpfSg1Pf-be-WH ArtSgFObj-thing NegImpfSg1Pf-think-NegImpfSg1

#35

C: Aflaa, maloot roob'iyaay hiyaheeb!

aflaa maloot roob'iyaay hi-ya-heeb

C: Well then, give me two quarters (containers)!

so.then two quarter give-ImpvM-ObjSg1

#36

T: Tumhalaatook / ubiileeyook haaksi!

tu-mhalaat-ook u-biilee-yook haaks-ii

T: Open your bag / basket!

ArtSgF-bag-PossSg2 ArtSgM-container-PossSg2 open-ImpvF

#37

C: Ubiltooyiiyookna daayiib sinhasaabaana?

u-biltoo-yii-yookna daayiib sinhas-aab-aana

C: Is your sorghum well cleaned?

ArtSgM-sorghum-CasGen-PossPl2 good clean-PtcpPast-IdPl2M

#38

Awi eeneenaaka hooy kihayna?

awi eeneenaaka hooy ki-hay-na

Are there no stones in it?

stone any at NegImpfPl3Pf-be-NegImpfPl3

#39

T: Sinhasaab nikatiyeet toona hiisnay.

sinhas-aab ni-kati-yeet too-na hiis-nay

T: I think we cleaned them well.

clean-PtcpPast ImpfPl1Pf-be-WH ArtSgFObj-thing think-ImpfPl1

#40

Laakiin batuuk ugawiiyook hana tutahoonaatiib

laakiin batuuk u-gaw-ii-yook hana tu-tahoonaat-iib

But you, in your house or in the mill,

but Sg2F ArtSgM-house-CasGen-PossSg2 or ArtSgF-mill-Adv+at

#41

daayiib sinhasi!

daayiib sinhas-i

clean them well!

good clean-ImpvF

#42

Rayhamtinii kaatuwi.

rayham-tinii kaat-uwi

To be satisfied yourself (F).

satisfy-ImpfSg2F more.than-IdSg2F

#43

C: Daayiitu.

daayiit-u

C: OK.

good-IdSg13F

#44

Whissaabuuk naakaaba?

w-hissaab-uuk naakaab-a

How much is (Lit are) the bill?

ArtSgM-calculation-PossSg2 how.many-IdPl13M

#45

T: Ay tamunt Nakfaata / Gineehiita.

ay tamunt nakfaat-a gineehiit-a

T: (They are) fifty Nakfa / Guinees.

five ten Nakfa-IdPl13F Guinee-IdPl13F

#46

C: Abika!

abik-a

C: Take (M)!

take-ImpvM

#47

T: Miriyi!

miri-yi

T: Thank you (F)!

find-ImpvF

#48

C: Baashinhaya!

baa-shinha-ya

C: Don't (M) mention (it)!

NegImpvMPf-worry-NegImpvM

#49

T: L'aab, libaabi aaymi!

l'-aab libaabi aaym-i

T: Spend (F) the day well!

be.cool-PtcpPast happy spend.day-ImpvF

#50

C: L'aab, libaabi aayma! (Umdhhanookna).

l'-aab libaabi aaym-a u-mdhhan-ookna

C: Spend (M) the day well! (This was my talk / I have completed my speech).

be.cool-PtcpPast happy spend.day-ImpvM ArtSgM-living-PossPl2

<263>

١ أُهَرّۆيے سٌوقٍيب. ٢سَلام ألَيكْوُم! ٣ ألَيكْوُم أسَّلام! ٤لِبابے مهَتانه? ٥دايٍيب مهَنه. ٦بَراك كَك مهَتانه? ٧قْوِرهاب كِنبَرُ. ٨بِلتٌوب تِبَرِيه? ٩أَوۆه, أبَرے. ١٠ هِندێه رهِسانهێب! ١١ أهے! شِبِبے! ١٢ قايٍيبُهَن شإِيابُ? ١٣ أوۆه, قايٍيبُ. ١٤ كَك شإِيه بِلتُ قٍيقِسنَي? ١٥ لاكٍين بَتٌوك, قايٍيب هَنه شإِياب إكَتِيێت تۆنَ, ١٦ كَك تێكَنے? ١٧ دأَمسٍيت أشَنبٍيب. ١٨ نَنفٍيرێك (نَفِر إكَتِيێك ), ١٩ قايٍيب إكَتِيێت تۆنه ێكَنے. ٢٠ هَمِّيێك (هَمٍيب إكَتِيێك ), ٢١ شإِياب إكَتِيێت تۆنه ێكَنے. ٢٢ يا تَكَتَي! ٢٣ بَتٌوك دِرآتكِناتُوے? ٢٤ أوۆه, دِرآتكِناتُ. ٢٥ أنێب أُشَت هێب, ٢٦ أهۆتٍيتُ تُأَهُ دِرآتكِناتُ. ٢٧ ' وُهِندے أُقَدَمٍيهۆده ڈِبٍينے ' ێيَدنه. ٢٨ سِدكٍيتُوے. ٢٩ تُرۆبإِياي تۆنقال ناكابه? ٣٠ تَقْوقْوه أيت قِنێهٍيته / نَكفاته. ٣١ نان تِدِيه?! ٣٢ ' تَقْوقْوه أيت قِنێهێته / نَكفاته ' أدے. ٣٣ بَك تِدِيێك, سأَلِياب كِتّا? ٣٤ سأَلِياب أكَتِيێت تۆنه كَهٍيسَن. ٣٥ أفلا, مَلۆت رۆبإِياي هِيَهێب! ٣٦ تُمهَلاتۆك / أُبٍيلێيۆك هاكسے! ٣٧ أُبِلتۆيٍييۆكنه دايٍيب سِنهَسابانه? ٣٨ أوے ێنێناكه هۆي كِهَينه? ٣٩ سِنهَساب نِكَتِيێت تۆنه هٍيسنَي. ٤٠ لاكٍين بَتٌوك أُقَوٍييۆك هَنه تُتَهۆناتٍيب ٤١ دايٍيب سِنهَسے! ٤٢ رَيهَمتِنِي كاتُوے. ٤٣ دايٍيتُ. ٤٤ وُهِسّابٌوك ناكابه? ٤٥ أي تَمُنت نَكفاته / قِنێهٍيته. ٤٦ أبِكه! ٤٧ مِرِيے! ٤٨ باشِنهَيه! ٤٩ لآب / لِبابے آيمے! ٥٠ لآب / لِبابے آيمه! (أُمڈهَنۆكنه ).

Circumstances: Postpositional Phrases (PPs)

<264>

To talk about the ways and circumstances in which something happens such as the place, time, or manner Beja uses adverbials. To ask about the ways and circumstances of an event, Beja uses the following adverbial question words or adverbial interrogatives.

Local:

Naamhiin?

Where (Lit which place)?

نامهٍين?

Naamhiinaanii?

Where from?

نامهٍينانِي?

Naat?

To what (place)?

نات?

Naat mari?

Toward what (place)?

نات مَرے?

Naa haddiit?

Up to what (Up to where)?

نا هَدٍّيت?

Temporal:

Naahoob?

When, which moment?

ناهۆب?

Naadoor?

When, which time?

نادۆر?

Naamha?

When, which day?

نامهه?

Other:

Kak?

How?

كَك?

Naanhooy?

Why?

نانهۆي?

Naanaatii?

Why (Lit what from)?

ناناتِي?

Naa naatii?

With what?

نا ناتِي?

Naa haddiit?

To what extent (Lit up to where)?

نا هَدٍّيت?

Adverbial Expressions

<265>

Beja expresses information about adverbials or circumstances in different ways: with adverbial suffixes, postpositional phrases, genitive phrases or adverbs.

Postpositional Phrases

<266>

The next section is about postpositional phrases. Since Beja is a language where the head of a construction always comes last (a so-called head final language) it does not use prepositions but postpositions. So rather than saying 'with father', 'until Monday' etc., in Beja one would say 'father with', 'Monday until' and such.

<267>

The relation between the noun (e.g. father) and the postposition (e.g. with) is often a genitive relation. So 'father-with' could be translated as 'father's nearness', or 'monday-until' as 'monday's limit'.

<268>

In the examples below, the adverbs are important - the verbal structures may be ignored for the time being.

har'i

behind

هَرإِ

haddiib, haddiit

up to

هَدٍّيب, هَدٍّيت

gwad

with

قْوَد

jillaayi, jilla, gillaayi, gilla

because of

جِلّايے, جِلّه, قِلّايے, قِلّه

dabaay

in front of, before

دَباي

mari

towards

مَرے

whii

under

وهِي

kehii

on

كهِي

geeb

beside

قێب

baakaay / baakaayt

except (M) / (F)

باكاي / باكايت

<269>

Note that the postpositions can also be analyzed as nouns which take possessive suffixes. So in addition to saying bariiyook dabaay 'after you (lit. 'of you back)', one could also say dabaayook 'after you, behind you, your back'.

Ufasli har'i eefi.

He is behind the classroom.

أُفَسلے هَرإِ ێفے.

Ufasli dabaay eefi.

He is in front of the classroom.

أُفَسلے دَباي ێفے.

Aneeb mari gwishasha!

Move towards me!

أنێب مَرے قْوِشَشه!

Aneeb mari gwishisha!

Push it toward me!

أنێب مَرے قْوِشِشه!

Aneeb mari rififa!

Move towards me!

أنێب مَرے رِفِفه!

Adverbial Postpositions: Temporal

Tuuyiin dhibtini (hoob) whaddiit hagita!

Wait (M) until the sun sets!

تٌويٍين ڈِبتِنے (هۆب ) وهَدٍّيت هَقِته!

S'aati tarabi dabaay oon'oomhiin iifi.

Half an hour ago, he was here.

سآتے تَرَبے دَباي ۆنئۆمهٍين إيفے.

Tumhasayti har'i buun gw'aana!

After lunch, drink (Pl) coffee!

تُمهَسَيتے هَرإِ بٌون قْوآنه!

Udiraari har'i buun gw'aana!

After dinner, drink (Pl) coffee!

أُدِرارے هَرإِ بٌون قْوآنه!

Uftuuri har'i buun gw'aana!

After breakfast, drink (Pl) coffee!

أُفتٌورے هَرإِ بٌون قْوآنه!

Udarsi har'i buun gw'aana!

After the lesson, drink (Pl) coffee!

أُدَرسے هَرإِ بٌون قْوآنه!

Tumhasayti dabaay, buun gw'aana!

Before lunch, drink (Pl) coffee!

تُمهَسَيتے دَباي, بٌون قْوآنه!

Udiraari dabaay, buun gw'aana!

Before dinner, drink (Pl) coffee!

أُدِرارے دَباي, بٌون قْوآنه!

Uftuuri dabaay, buun gw'aana!

Before breakfast, drink (Pl) coffee!

أُفتٌورے دَباي, بٌون قْوآنه!

Udarsi dabaay, buun gw'aana!

Before lesson, drink (Pl) coffee!

أُدَرسے دَباي, بٌون قْوآنه!

Baruuk naanaati gwad hadhiib tamtaa?

With what did you (M) eat bread?

بَرٌوك ناناتے قْوَد هَڈٍيب تَمتا?

Ani hadhiib aati gwad taman.

I ate bread with milk.

أنے هَڈٍيب آتے قْوَد تَمَن.

Ani hadhiib fuuli gwad taman.

I ate bread with beans.

أنے هَڈٍيب فٌولے قْوَد تَمَن.

Ani hadhiib waykaati gwad taman.

I ate bread with occra.

أنے هَڈٍيب وَيكاتے قْوَد تَمَن.

Baraakna naanaati gwad hadhiib tamtaana?

With what did you (Pl) eat bread?

بَراكنه ناناتے قْوَد هَڈٍيب تَمتانه?

Hinin hadhiib aati gwad tamna.

We ate bread with milk.

هِنِن هَڈٍيب آتے قْوَد تَمنه.

Hinin hadhiib fuuli gwad tamna.

We ate bread with beans.

هِنِن هَڈٍيب فٌولے قْوَد تَمنه.

Hinin hadhiib waykaati gwad tamna.

We ate bread with occra.

هِنِن هَڈٍيب وَيكاتے قْوَد تَمنه.

W'afrayook jillaayi itehisir tindiya?

Will you (M) be sorry because of, about your badness?

وُأَفرَيۆك جِلّايے إتهِسِر تِندِيه?

Batiiyook jillaayi, ubirtukaani kiilu ashshadhigt kwaasat.

For your (M / F) sake, let me say (Lit make) the kilo of oranges is 9 (pound).

بَتٍييۆك جِلّايے, أُبِرتُكانے كٍيلُ أششَڈِقت كْواسَت.

<270>

U: uncle, M: mother, D: daughter

#1

U: Amsi ugirmu lhiiniheeb.

amsi u-girm-u lh-iini-heeb

U: Today I have a headache (Lit my head hurts me).

today ArtSgM-head-PossSg1 be.ache-ImpfSg3M-ObjSg1

#2

M: Haalooku?

haal-ook-u

M: What is the matter with you (Sg)?

condition-PossSg2-IdSg13M

#3

U: Ani naat hooy kaakan (usabbooh kaakan).

ani naat hooy kaa-kan u-sabb-ooh kaa-kan

U: I don't know anything about it (the reason).

Sg1 thing at NegImpfSg1Pf-know ArtSgM-reason-PossSg3 NegImpfSg1Pf-know

#4

Laakiin tu-sh'aniyeetiib wanaaneeka buun nigraabu.

laakiin tu sh'-ani-yeet-iib wanaanee-ka buun nigraab-u

But from what I remember I miss coffee ever since this morning.

but ArtSgFRel remember-ImpfSg1-WH-Adv+at before.morning-Adv+since coffee thirsty.not.for.water-PossSg1

#5

M: Buun ikatiyeek, shalik naatu.

buun i-kati-yeek shalik naat-u

M: If it is coffee, that is a small problem (Lit thing).

coffee ImpfSg3MPf-be-Adv+if little thing-IdSg13F

#6

Nafisa (tu'oor) yhayi!

nafisa tu-'oor yha-yi

Nafisa, hey you (F)!

Nafisa ArtSgF-girl take-ImpvF

#7

Ukaanuun sidawiliheeb!

u-kaanuun sidawil-i-heeb

Bring the brazier to me!

ArtSgM-brazier bring-ImpvF-ObjSg1

#8

Ubuuniit iddaahan dehooyu shawawi!

u-buun-iit iddaa-han dehoo-yu shawaw-i

Also gather the coffee pots (Lit coffee things) for me!

ArtSgM-coffee-CasGen things-also to.-PossSg1 assemble-ImpvF

#9

D: Daayiitu. Taan ikatiinay, abiki!

daayiit-u taan i-kati-in-ay abik-i

D: OK. Here they are, so take (them)!

good-IdSg13F NearPlFSubj ImpfPl3Pf-be-ImpfPl3-Con+because take-ImpvF

#10

M: Tukaloonaay keeta?

tu-kaloonaay kee-ta

M: Where is the roasting pan?

ArtSgF-pan be.where-PerfSg3F

#11

D: Ani rhaat kaaki. Naat teefi?

ani rh-aat kaa-ki naat t-eefi

D: I have not seen it. Where is it?

Sg1 see-PtcpPast NegImpfSg1Pf-be what.place ImpfSg3FPf-be

#12

M: Hindeeh, imoori whii harwiin!

hindeeh i-moor-i wh-ii hariw-ii-n

M: Please, look under the bed (string bed).

please ArtPlM-bed.of.palm.leaves-CasGen under-Adv+off want-ImpvF-Con+please

#13

Usanuuk wana haay hawaayiyaay.

u-san-uuk wana haay hawaa-yiya-ay

Because this morning your brother has been playing with it.

ArtSgM-brother-PossSg2 before.morning with.it play-PerfSg3M-Con+because

#14

D: Aaywaa, amiru.

aaywaa a-miru

D: Yes, I found it.

yes PerfSg1Pf-find

#15

M: Aflaa, anaa tu'ootu, tumisrafa (tuhabbaabi) hiyiheeb!

aflaa anaa tu-'oot-u tu-misrafa tu-habbaabi hi-yi-heeb

M: So then my daughter, give me the fan.

so.then hey ArtSgF-girl-PossSg1 ArtSgF-fan ArtSgF-fan give-ImpvF-ObjSg1

#16

D: Daayiitu, anaa deetu.

daayiit-u anaa deet-u

D: Yes, mother (Lit fine, my mother).

good-IdSg13F hey mother-PossSg1

#17

M: Udawilu s'iit, oobuun dehooyu kalooyii!

u-dawil-u s'-iit oo-buun dehooy-u kaloo-yii

M: Sit near me, and roast the coffee for me!

ArtSgM-closeness-PossSg1 sit-PtcpAdvPast ArtSgMObj-coffee to.-PossSg1 roast-ImpvF

#18

Kalooyi b'atniyeek, kwiti!

kaloo-yi b'at-ni-yeek kwit-i

When you have done the roasting, pound it!

roast-CasGen lean-PastPl1-Adv+if push-ImpvF

#19

M & D: Asigaab.

asigaab

M & D: Peaceful.

peaceful

#20

D: Aflaa, weena naan daayani?

aflaa weena naan daa-yani

D: Well then, what else shall I do?

so.then other.thing what do-ImpfSg1

#21

M: Yaa tu'ootuuyi! Buun gw'astiyuun, imraadeek marri!

yaa tu-'oot-uu-yi buun gw'as-ti-yuun i-mraad-eek Zero-marri

M: You my daughter! If you make (for) us coffee, you find what you desire!

hello ArtSgF-girl-PossSg1-Vocat coffee let.drink-PermSg3F-ObjPl1 ArtPlM-wish-PossSg2 ImpfSg3FPf-find

#22

Duuruuk wanaaneeka buun gw'aab kiiki.

duur-uuk wanaan-ee-ka buun gw'-aab kii-ki

Your uncle has not had (drunk) coffee since (the) morning.

uncle-PossSg2 before.morning-Adv+since coffee drink-PtcpPast NegImpfSg3MPf-be

#23

Bak t'iiteeb, ugirmuuh lhiini.

bak t'i-it-eeb u-girm-uuh lh-iini

Therefore (Lit this being so), his head aches (him).

so be.similar-PastSg3F-Adv+at ArtSgM-head-PossSg3 ache-ImpfSg3M

#24

D: Awooh, buun gw'asanihookna.

awooh buun gw'as-ani-hookna

D: Yes, I will let you have (Lit drink) some coffee.

yes coffee let.drink-ImpfSg1-ObjPl2

#25

Bareekna buun baagw'asayuukna, aab gw'asani?

bareekna buun baa-gw'as-ay-uukna aab gw'as-ani

If I don't serve you (Pl), then whom do I serve?

Pl2MObj coffee NegSubSg1Pf-let.drink-NegSubM-ObjPl2 whoObjM let.drink-ImpfSg1

#26

M: Daayiib tidi.

daayiib ti-di

M: You (F) said that well.

good PerfSg3FPf-say

#27

Hininhan bak s'ayaamniyay.

hinin-han bak s'ayaam-ni-yay

We also were expecting that (Lit thus).

we-also so expect-PastPl1-Con+because

#28

D: Naakaab gw'ani teeyadna?

naakaab gw'a-ni t-eeyad-na

D: How many (cups) do you drink?

how.many drink-FutPl ImpfPl2Pf-say-ImpfPl2

#29

M: Mhay fijjaan mheenhoon.

mhay fijjaan mh-een-hoon

M: Three cups are enough for us.

three cup suffice-ImpfPl3-ObjPl1

#30

D: Abika, duuruuyi!

abik-a duur-uu-yi

D: Take, my uncle!

take-ImpvM uncle-PossSg1-Vocat

#31

A: Nafir na ahayi!

nafir na aha-yi

A: Take something good (Lit a sweet thing)!

sweet thing take-ImpvF

#32

D: Hami na bahaaya!

hami na ba-haa-ya

D: Don't take something bitter!

bitter thing NegImpvMPf-take-NegImpvM

#33

Tusikwkwartuuh kak tan'i?

tu-sikwkwart-uuh kak Zero-tan'i

What about the sugar (Lit how is its sugar)?

ArtSgF-sugar-PossSg3 how ImpfSg3MPf-be.similar

#34

U: Winneet daayiitu.

winneet daayiit-u

U: Really fine.

very good-IdSg13F

#35

D: Dehook afandhihan, hana kaafdhi?

dehook a-fandhi-han kaa-fdhi

D: Shall I stir it (Lit do I stir it) for you, or not?

to.Sg2M ImpfSg1Pf-mix-also NegImpfSg1Pf-mix

#36

U: Biifadhii!

bii-fadhi-i

U: Don't (F) stir!

NegImpvFPf-mix-NegImpvF

#37

Uuwilif tisikwkwarteeb kihay.

uu-lif ti-sikwkwart-eeb ki-hay

The addiction is not to the sugar.

ArtSgMSubj-thousand ArtPlF-sugar-Adv+at NegImpfSg3MPf-be

#38

Uwaalfi oobuun sikwkwart anuuhan gw'iini.

u-waalfi oo-buun sikwkwart anuu-han gw'-iini

The addict drinks the coffee even without sugar.

ArtSgM-addicted ArtSgMObj-coffee sugar without-also drink-ImpfSg3M

#39

D: Sidkiiwa.

sidkii-wa

D: You (M) are right.

true-IdSg2M

#40

A: Ahamidehookna.

a-hamid-ehookna

A: I thank you (Pl).

PerfSg1Pf-praise-ObjPl2

#41

Aliya hamuud tageegaab.

aliya hamuud tageegaab

I really thank you (Lit I give you elevated praise).

expensive praise high

#42

M: Hamuud baanaawa.

hamuud baa-naaw-a

M: May you (F) not lack thanks.

praise NegImpvMPf-lack-NegImpvM

#43

Anaa sanu, usikkaayi hasamtiyoonhoob,

anaa san-u u-sikkaay-i hasam-ti-yoon-hoob

My brother, when you pass by our house on your way,

hey brother-PossSg1 ArtSgM-way-CasGen pass.by-PermSg3F-ObjPl1-Adv+what.moment

#44

dehoon tara,

dehoon tar-a

make a detour to see us,

to.Pl1 make.detour-ImpvM

#45

eerheek areenayay.

ee-rh-eek aree-nay-ay

because we do enjoy seeing you.

ArtPlMObj-seeing-PossSg2 like-ImpfPl1-Con+because

#46

U: Anihan bareeyeekna (bateeyeekna) eerhi winneet minniimani.

ani-han bareeyeekna ee-rhi winneet minniim-ani

U: I also hope very much to see you (Pl).

Sg1-also of.Pl2 ArtPlMObj-seeing very wish-ImpfSg1

#47

Allaa tankwiikweek, fajir fajir dehookna tartiit,

allaa Zero-tankwiikw-eek fajir fajir dehookna tar-tiit

If Allah wishes, I will make a detour to you every morning, and

Allah ImpfSg3MPf-create-Adv+if morning morning to.Pl2 make.detour-PtcpAdvPast

#48

dabaay salaamihookna andi.

dabaay salaam-i-hookna a-ndi

I will greet you.

well greet-Fut-ObjPl2 ImpfSg1Pf-say

#49

M: Hinin tuduuniyaatiib oonbatoohtu, bariisook nhariweet.

hinin tu-duuniyaat-iib oon-batooht-u bariisook n-hariw-eet

M: What we really would like from you (Lit would like in the world from you), it is this.

Sg1 ArtSgF-world-Adv+at NearSgFObjPf-Sg3FObj-IdSg13F off.Sg2M PerfPl1Pf-want-WH

#50

U: L'aab aayimna / hawidna / naayaana!

l'-aab aayim-na hawid-na naa-yaana

U: Good afternoon / evening / sleep (Pl) well!

be.cool-PtcpPast spend.day-ImpvPl spend.evening-ImpvPl pass.night-ImpvPl

#51

M: Asigaab.

asigaab

M: Peaceful.

peaceful

<271>

١ أمسے أُقِرمُ لهٍينِهێب. ٢هالۆكُ? ٣ أنے نات هۆي كاكَن ( أُسَبّۆه كاكَن ). ٤لاكٍين تُشأَنِيێتٍيب وَنانێكه بٌون نِقرابُ. ٥بٌون إكَتِيێك, شَلِك ناتُ. ٦نَفِسه (تُؤۆر ) يِهَيے! ٧ أُكانٌون سِدَوِلِهێب! ٨أُبٌونٍيت إدّاهَن دهۆيُ شَوَوے! ٩دايٍيتُ. تان إكَتٍينَي, أبِكے! ١٠ تُكَلۆناي كێته? ١١ أنے رهات كاكے. نات تێفے? ١٢ هِندێه, إمۆرے وهِي هَرِوٍين! ١٣ أُسَنٌوك وَنه هاي هَوايِياي. ١٤ آيوا, أمِرُ. ١٥ أفلا, أنا تُؤۆتُ, تُمِسرَفه (تُهَبّابے ) هِيِهێب! ١٦ دايٍيتُ, أنا دێتُ. ١٧ أُدَوِلُ سإيت, ۆ بٌون دهۆيُ كَلۆيِي! ١٨ كَلۆيے بأَتنِيێك, كْوِتے! ١٩ أسِقاب. ٢٠ أفلا, وێنه نان دايَنے? ٢١ يا تُؤۆتٌويے! بٌون قْوأَستِيٌون, إمرادێك مَرّے! ٢٢ دٌورٌوك وَنانێكه بٌون قْوآب كٍيكے. ٢٣ بَك تإيتێب, أُقِرمٌوه لهٍينے. ٢٤ أوۆه, بٌون قْوأَسَنِهۆكنه. ٢٥ بَرێكنه بٌون باقْوأَسَيٌوكنَ, آبقْوأَسَنے? ٢٦ دايٍيب تِدے. ٢٧ هِنِنهَن بَك سأَيامنِيَي. ٢٨ ناكاب قْوأَنے تێيَدنه? ٢٩ مهَي فِجّان مهێنهۆن. ٣٠ أبِكَ, دٌورٌويے! ٣١ نَفِر نه أهَيے! ٣٢ هَمے نه بَهايه! ٣٣ تُسِكْوكْوَرتٌوه كَك تَنإِ? ٣٤ وِنّێت دايٍيتُ. ٣٥ دهۆك أفَنڈِهَن, كافڈے? ٣٦ بٍيفَڈِي! ٣٧ أُولِف تِسِكْوكْوَرتێب كِهَي. ٣٨ أُوالفے ۆبٌون سِكْوكْوَرت أنٌوهَن قْوإينے. ٣٩ سِدكٍيوه. ٤٠ أهَمِدهۆكنه. ٤١ ألِيه هَمٌود تَقێقاب. ٤٢ هَمٌود باناوه. ٤٣ أنا سَنُ, أُسِكّايے هَسَمتِيۆنهۆب, ٤٤ دهۆن تَرَ, ٤٥ ێرهێك أرێنَيَي. ٤٦ أنِهَن بَرێيێكنه (بَتێيێكنه ) ێ رهے وِنّێت مِنٍّيمَنے. ٤٧ ألّا تَنكْوٍيكْوێك, فَجِر فَجِر دهۆكنه تَرتٍيت, ٤٨ دَباي سَلامِهۆكنه أندے. ٤٩ هِنِن تُدٌونِياتٍيب ۆنبَتۆهتُ, بَرٍيسۆك نهَرِوێت. ٥٠ لآب آيِمنه / هَوِدنه / نايانه! ٥١ أسِقاب.

Adverbs

Names of Places and Times

<272>

Names of Places may be used to answer questions like 'where?' Here the place is treated as the object of the verb (Note the -b suffix attached to the place nouns).

Baruuh naat eefi?

Where is he?

بَرٌوه نات ێفے?

Karaneeb eefi.

He is in Keren.

كَرَنێب ێفے.

Bar'uuteeb eefi.

He is in Port Sudan.

بَرُوتێب ێفے.

Bayruuteeb eefi.

He is in Beirut.

بَيرٌوتێب ێفے.

Tasanaayeeb eefi.

He is in Teseney.

تَسَنايێب ێفے.

Agwoordaateeb eefi.

He is in Aqordat.

أقْوۆرداتێب ێفے.

Masireeb eefi.

He is in Egypt.

مَسِرێب ێفے.

Soodaaneeb eefi.

He is in Sudan.

سۆدانێب ێفے.

Ukhartuumiib eefi.

He is in (the) Khartoum.

أُخَرتٌومٍيب ێفے.

Adverbs: Local 2

Baruuk naat teebiya?

Where do you (M) go?

بَرٌوك نات تێبِيه?

Ani Masir eebi.

I go to Egypt.

أنے مَسِر ێبے.

Ani Oosook eebi.

I go to Suakin.

أنے ۆسۆك ێبے.

Ani Misawaab eebi.

I go to Massawa.

أنے مِسَواب ێبے.

Ani ugawu eebi.

I go to my house.

أنے أُقَوُ ێبے.

Baruuk naat iiba tindiya?

Where will you (M) go?

بَرٌوك نات إيبه تِندِيه?

Ani Masir iiba andi.

I will go to Egypt.

أنے مَسِر إيبه أندے.

Ani Oosook iiba andi.

I will go to Suakin.

أنے ۆسۆك إيبه أندے.

Ani Misawaab iiba andi.

I will go to Massawa.

أنے مِسَواب إيبه أندے.

Ani ugawu iiba andi.

I will go to my house.

أنے أُقَوُ إيبه أندے.

<273>

A: wife, B: husband

#1

A: Oosheek, oosuug iiba tindiya?

oosheek oo-suug iiba ti-ndi-ya

A: Oosheek, do you go to the market?

Oosheek ArtSgMObj-market go-FutSg ImpfSg2MPf-say-ImpfSg2M

#2

Oosuug teebiyeek, anaa taku,

oo-suug t-eebi-yeek anaa tak-u

If you go, my dear,

ArtSgMObj-market ImpfSg3FPf-go-Adv+if hey man-IdSg13M

#3

hadhiib gwadook haam'aa!

hadhiib gwad-ook haam'-aa

bring bread with you!

bread with-PossSg2 bring-ImpvM

#4

Sikwkwart gwadook haam'aa!

sikwkwart gwad-ook haam'-aa

Bring sugar with you!

sugar with-PossSg2 bring-ImpvM

#5

B: Oond'a gwida shanha abari.

oond'a gwida shanha a-bari

B: Now I have much work.

this.time plenty work PerfSg1Pf-have

#6

Amsi ani shawaay kaaki.

amsi ani shawaay kaa-ki

Today I don't have time (Lit I am not free).

today Sg1 free NegImpfSg1Pf-be

#7

A: Shawaay kittaa?

shawaay kit-ta-a

A: You don't have time (Lit are not free)?

free NegImpfSg2MPf-be-NegImpfSg2M

#8

Shawaay bitkaayeek, hooy baashinhaya!

shawaay bit-ka-ay-eek hooy baa-shinha-ya

If you don't have time (Lit are not free), don't worry!

free NegSubSg2MPf-be-NegSubM-Adv+if at NegImpvMPf-worry-NegImpvM

<274>

١ ۆشێك, ۆ سٌوق إيبه تِندِيه? ٢ۆسٌوق تێبِيێك, أنا تَكُ, ٣هَڈٍيب قْوَدۆك هامآ! ٤سِكْوكْوَرت قْوَدۆك هامآ! ٥ۆندأه قْوِده شَنهه أبَرے. ٦ أمسے أنے شَواي كاكے. ٧شَواي كِتّا? ٨شَواي بِتكايێك, هۆي باشِنهَيه!

<275>

Names of Places serve to answer the question 'Where?'.

Baruuk, naamhiinaan faraaywa?

You (M), where were you (M) born?

بَرٌوك, نامهٍينان فَرايوه?

Ani Masireeb faraayu.

I (M) was born in Egypt.

أنے مَسِرێب فَرايُ.

Ani Bar'uuteeb faraayu.

I (M) was born in Port Sudan.

أنے بَرُوتێب فَرايُ.

Ani Bayruuteeb faraayu.

I (M) was born in Beirut.

أنے بَيرٌوتێب فَرايُ.

Ani Tasanaayeeb faraayu.

I (M) was born in Teseney.

أنے تَسَنايێب فَرايُ.

Ani Agwoordaateeb faraayu.

I (M) was born in Aqordat.

أنے أقْوۆرداتێب فَرايُ.

Batuuk, naamhiinaan faraaytuwi?

You (F), where were you (F) born?

بَتٌوك, نامهٍينان فَرايتُوے?

Ani Masireeb faraaytu.

I (F) was born in Egypt.

أنے مَسِرێب فَرايتُ.

<276>

Beja speakers and Beja learners

#1

Baruuk Tubdhaawi tikteena?

baruuk tu-bdhaawi ti-kteen-a

Do you (M) know Beja?

Sg2M ArtSgF-Beja ImpfSg2MPf-know-ImpfSg2M

#2

Ani shalikna hooy akteen.

ani shalik-na hooy a-kteen

I know a little (Lit a little of it).

Sg1 little-thing at ImpfSg1Pf-know

#3

Batuuk Tubdhaawi tikteeni?

batuuk tu-bdhaawi ti-kteen-i

Do you (F) know Beja?

Sg2F ArtSgF-Beja ImpfSg2FPf-know-ImpfSg2F

#4

Ani shalikna hooy akteen.

ani shalik-na hooy a-kteen

A little.

Sg1 little-thing at ImpfSg1Pf-know

#5

Baraakna Tubdhaawi tikteenna?

baraakna tu-bdhaawi ti-kteen-na

Do you (Pl M) know Beja?

Pl2M ArtSgF-Beja ImpfPl2Pf-know-ImpfPl2

#6

Hinin shalikna hooy nikteen.

hinin shalik-na hooy ni-kteen

We know a little.

Pl1 little-thing at ImpfPl1Pf-know

#7

Uudehay Tubdhaawi ikteenna?

uu-dehay tu-bdhaawi i-kteen-na

Do the people know Beja?

ArtSgMSubj-people ArtSgF-Beja ImpfPl3Pf-know-ImpfPl3

#8

Baraah shalikna hooy ikteenna.

baraah shalik-na hooy i-kteen-na

They (M) know a little.

Pl2M little-thing at ImpfPl3Pf-know-ImpfPl3

#9

Uudehay kassa Tubdhaawi ikteenna?

uu-dehay kassa tu-bdhaawi i-kteen-na

Do all people know Beja?

ArtSgMSubj-people all ArtSgF-Beja ImpfPl3Pf-know-ImpfPl3

#10

Baraah shalikna hooy ikteenna.

baraah shalik-na hooy i-kteen-na

They know a little.

Pl2M little-thing at ImpfPl3Pf-know-ImpfPl3

<277>

١ بَرٌوك تُبڈاوے تِكتێنه? ٢ أنے شَلِكنه هۆي أكتێن. ٣بَتٌوك تُبڈاوے تِكتێنے? ٤أنے شَلِكنه هۆي أكتێن. ٥بَراكنه تُبڈاوے تِكتێنّه? ٦هِنِن شَلِكنه هۆي نِكتێن. ٧ أٌودهَي تُبڈاوے إكتێنّه? ٨بَراه شَلِكنه هۆي إكتێنّه. ٩ أٌودهَي كَسّه تُبڈاوے إكتێنّه? ١٠ بَراه شَلِكنه هۆي إكتێنّه.

<278>

Adverbs or names of days and hours are used in response to questions about time.

Naadoor?

When (Lit what time)?

نادۆر?

Naadoor batuuk Karan tibayi?

When did you (F) go to Keren?

نادۆر بَتٌوك كَرَن تِبَيے?

Amsi Karan abi.

I went to Keren today.

أمسے كَرَن أبے.

Iru Karan abi.

I went to Keren yesterday.

إرُ كَرَن أبے.

Iru bitkaayit Karan abi.

I went to Keren before yesterday.

إرُ بِتكايِت كَرَن أبے.

Naadoor Soodaan iiba tindiyi?

When will you (F) go to Sudan?

نادۆر سۆدان إيبه تِندِيے?

Oond'a Soodaan iiba andi.

I will go to Sudan now.

ۆندأه سۆدان إيبه أندے.

Amsi Soodaan iiba andi.

I will go to Sudan today.

أمسے سۆدان إيبه أندے.

Lhayt Soodaan iiba andi.

I will go to Sudan tomorrow.

لهَيت سۆدان إيبه أندے.

Lhayt baakaayt Soodaan iiba andi.

I will go to Sudan after tomorrow.

لهَيت باكايت سۆدان إيبه أندے.

<279>

Names of times of the day serve to answer the question 'When?'.

Naadoor?

When (Lit what time)?

نادۆر?

Baruuk naadoor fantiira?

When do you (M) eat breakfast?

بَرٌوك نادۆر فَنتٍيره?

Ani aawiit afantiir.

I eat breakfast in the morning, forenoon.

أنے آوٍيت أفَنتٍير.

Baruuk naadoor mhastiniya?

When do you eat lunch?

بَرٌوك نادۆر مهَستِنِيه?

Ani nabhoob mhasani.

I eat lunch at noon.

أنے نَبهۆب مهَسَنے.

Baruuk naadoor tiddariira?

When do you (M) eat supper?

بَرٌوك نادۆر تِدَّرٍيره?

Ani akwhiit addariir.

I eat supper (M) in the (late) afternoon.

أنے أكْوهٍيت أدَّرٍير.

Baruuk aawiit naan tamtiniya?

What do you eat in the morning?

بَرٌوك آوٍيت نان تَمتِنِيه?

Ani aawiit afantiir.

In the morning I eat breakfast.

أنے آوٍيت أفَنتٍير.

Baruuk nabhoob naan tamtiniya?

What do you eat at noon?

بَرٌوك نَبهۆب نان تَمتِنِيه?

Ani nabhoob mhasani.

I eat lunch at noon.

أنے نَبهۆب مهَسَنے.

Baruuk akwhiit naan tamtiniya?

What do you eat in the (late) afternoon?

بَرٌوك أكْوهٍيت نان تَمتِنِيه?

Ani akwhiit addariir.

I eat supper in the (late) afternoon.

أنے أكْوهٍيت أدَّرٍير.

<280>

The genitive of Place names may serve to answer the question 'From where?', and the names of times of the day serve to answer the question 'When?'.

Naadoor Karanii eeta?

When did you (F) come from Keren?

نادۆر كَرَنِي ێته?

Afa Karanii y'an.

I came from Keren last night.

أفه كَرَنِي يِأَن.

Wana Karanii y'an.

I came from Keren in the early morning, forenoon.

وَنه كَرَنِي يِأَن.

Aawiit Karanii y'an.

I came from Keren in the morning.

آوٍيت كَرَنِي يِأَن.

Nabhoob Karanii y'an.

I came from Keren at noon.

نَبهۆب كَرَنِي يِأَن.

Humniit Karanii y'an.

I came from Keren in the (late) afternoon.

هُمنٍيت كَرَنِي يِأَن.

Adverbs: Temporal 4

Naadoor giigtaa?

When did you (M) go away?

نادۆر قٍيقتا?

Afa giigan.

I went away last night.

أفه قٍيقَن.

Wana giigan.

I went away in the early morning, forenoon.

وَنه قٍيقَن.

Aawiit giigan.

I went away in the morning.

آوٍيت قٍيقَن.

Nabhoob giigan.

I went away at noon.

نَبهۆب قٍيقَن.

Humniit giigan.

I went away in the (late) afternoon.

هُمنٍيت قٍيقَن.

<281>

Repetition of temporal expressions indicates repeated actions.

Naaka doora?

How often, how many times?

ناكه دۆره?

Yiint yiint.

Every day.

يٍينت يٍينت.

Fajir fajir.

Every morning.

فَجِر فَجِر.

Sabt sabt.

Every Saturday.

سَبت سَبت.

Abadan abadan abadan!

Never never!

أبَدَن أبَدَن أبَدَن!

Adverbs: Temporal 6

Humniit humniit naan daatiniya?

What do you (M) do every (late) afternoon?

هُمنٍيت هُمنٍيت نان داتِنِيه?

Nabhoob nabhoob naan daatiniya?

What do you (M) do every noon?

نَبهۆب نَبهۆب نان داتِنِيه?

Akwhiit akwhiit naan daatiniya?

What do you (M) do every evening?

أكْوهٍيت أكْوهٍيت نان داتِنِيه?

Nagaar nagaar (jirabt jirabt) naan daatiniya?

What do you (M) do every other (second) day?

نَقار نَقار نان داتِنِيه?

Ani sab sab kwuuraat hawaayani.

Every Saturday I play football.

أنے سَب سَب كْوٌورات هَوايَنے.

<282>

Here follows a list of temporal expressions, from early to late in the day.

wakt / wakit

time / times (of the day)

وَكت / وَكِت

amas

last night, dusk

أمَس

afa

last night

أفه

wana / kuruumt

early (this) morning / dawn

وَنه / كُرٌومت

oomha

the morning, the dawn

ۆمهه

tuyiinti mifir'i

the sun's rising

تُيٍينتٍيت مِفِرإِ

fajir

morning (ar)

فَجِر

aawiit

forenoon

آوٍيت

udehuri dabaay

before (the) noon

أُدهٌورے دَباي

tu'aawi / aawiit

the forenoon (9-12) / forenoon

تُآوے / آوٍيت

nabhoob

midday

نَبهۆب

udehuuri har'i

after (the) noon (ar)

أُدهٌورے هَرإِ

humniit

the late afternoon, afternoon

هُمنٍيت

akwhiit

evening

أكْوهٍيت

hawaad

night

هَواد

tuyiin talaw

sunrise (the sun's rising)

تُيٍينتٍيت تَلَو

whawaad

the night

وُهَواد

whawaadi tarab

midnight

وُهَوادے تَرَب

amasing'a

midnight

أمَسِنقأه

Adverb: Other Temporal Expressions

amrooh

ever

أمرۆه

abadan

never (ar)

أبَدَن

bub'u

every day

بُبءُ

nagaar

every second day

نَقار

diima, daa'iman

always (ar)

دٍيمه, داإِمَن

dehoob, gaal dehoob, firngis

suddenly

دهۆب, قال دهۆب, فِرِنقِس

naafti

afterwards, in return

نافتے

oond'a, oond'aab

now

ۆندأه, ۆندآب

shaawi

again, additionally

شاوے

suuri

before, earlier

سٌورے

tooyiin

today

تۆيٍين

umriiyook

ever in your life

أُمرٍييۆك

yooyt

every day

يۆيت

<283>

Farewell greetings and responses

#1

L'aab aayima!

l'-aab aayim-a

Bye, good afternoon (Lit spend the day cool)!

be.cool-PtcpPast spend.day-ImpvM

#2

Baruukehan l'aab aayima!

baruuk-ehan l'-aab aayim-a

You too!

Sg2M-also be.cool-PtcpPast spend.day-ImpvM

#3

Shiboob aayima!

shiboob aayim-a

Spend the day fine!

fine spend.day-ImpvM

#4

Baruukehan shiboob aayima!

baruuk-ehan shiboob aayim-a

You too!

Sg2M-also good spend.day-ImpvM

#5

Daayiib aayima!

daayiib aayim-a

Spend the day good (well)!

good spend.day-ImpvM

#6

Baruukehan daayiib aayima!

baruuk-ehan daayiib aayim-a

You too!

Sg2M-also good spend.day-ImpvM

#7

Kwatiib aayima!

kwatiib aayim-a

Spend the day well!

fine spend.day-ImpvM

#8

Baruukehan kwatiib aayima!

baruuk-ehan kwatiib aayim-a

You too!

Sg2M-also fine spend.day-ImpvM

#9

L'aab aayimi!

l'-aab aayim-i

Bye, good afternoon (Lit spend the day cool)!

be.cool-PtcpPast spend.day-ImpvF

#10

Batuukehan l'aab aayimi!

batuuk-ehan l'-aab aayim-i

You too!

Sg2F-also be.cool-PtcpPast spend.day-ImpvF

#11

Shiboob aayimi!

shiboob aayim-i

Spend the day fine!

good spend.day-ImpvF

#12

Batuukehan shiboob aayimi!

batuuk-ehan shiboob aayim-i

You too.

Sg2F-also good spend.day-ImpvF

#13

Daayiib aayimi!

daayiib aayim-i

Spend the day good (well)!

good spend.day-ImpvF

#14

Batuukehan daayiib aayimi!

batuuk-ehan daayiib aayim-i

You too!

Sg2F-also good spend.day-ImpvF

#15

Kwatiib aayimi!

kwatiib aayim-i

Spend the day well!

fine spend.day-ImpvF

#16

Batuukehan kwatiib aayimi!

batuuk-ehan kwatiib aayim-i

You too!

Sg2F-also fine spend.day-ImpvF

#17

L'aab aayimna!

l'-aab aayim-na

Bye, good afternoon (Lit spend the day cool)!

be.cool-PtcpPast spend.day-ImpvPl

#18

Baraaknahan l'aab aayimna!

baraakna-han l'-aab aayim-na

You too!

Pl2M-also be.cool-PtcpPast spend.day-ImpvPl

#19

Shiboob aayimna!

shiboob aayim-na

Spend the day fine!

good spend.day-ImpvPl

#20

Baraaknahan shiboob aayimna!

baraakna-han shiboob aayim-na

You too!

Pl2M-also good spend.day-ImpvPl

#21

Daayiib aayimna!

daayiib aayim-na

Spend the day good (well)!

good spend.day-ImpvPl

#22

Baraaknahan daayiib aayimna!

baraakna-han daayiib aayim-na

You too!

Pl2M-also good spend.day-ImpvPl

#23

Kwatiib aayimna!

kwatiib aayim-na

Spend the day well!

fine spend.day-ImpvPl

#24

Baraaknahan kwatiib aayimna!

baraakna-han kwatiib aayim-na

You too!

Pl2M-also fine spend.day-ImpvPl

<284>

١ لآب آيِمه! ٢بَرٌوكهَن لآب آيِمه! ٣شِبۆب آيِمه! ٤بَرٌوكهَن شِبۆب آيِمه! ٥دايٍيب آيِمه! ٦بَرٌوكهَن دايٍيب آيِمه! ٧كْوَتٍيب آيِمه! ٨بَرٌوكهَن كْوَتٍيب آيِمه! ٩لآب آيِمے! ١٠ بَتٌوكهَن لآب آيِمے! ١١ شِبۆب آيِمے! ١٢ بَتٌوكهَن شِبۆب آيِمے! ١٣ دايٍيب آيِمے! ١٤ بَتٌوكهَن دايٍيب آيِمے! ١٥ كْوَتٍيب آيِمے! ١٦ بَتٌوكهَن كْوَتٍيب آيِمے! ١٧ لآب آيِمنه! ١٨ بَراكنَهَن لآب آيِمنه! ١٩ شِبۆب آيِمنه! ٢٠ بَراكنَهَن شِبۆب آيِمنه! ٢١ دايٍيب آيِمنه! ٢٢ بَراكنَهَن دايٍيب آيِمنه! ٢٣ كْوَتٍيب آيِمنه! ٢٤ بَراكنَهَن كْوَتٍيب آيِمنه!

Adverb Suffixes

<285>

To express relations of time and space, adverbial suffixes may be attached to NPs.

Table 27: Adverbial Suffixes

Local Suffixes:

-s

from

-say, -sii

away from

-ii

off from

-da

to

-iib

at

Temporal Suffixes:

-iib

within, at

-ka

as from

Benefactive Suffixes:

-da

to (someone)

Manner Suffixes:

-ka

more than, total

Local Suffixes: -Zero

<286>

With certain verbs, no adverbial affix is required to express a location.

Baruuh Asmara ihee? Iha!

Is he in Asmara? He is!

بَرٌوه أسمَره إهێ? إهه!

Asmara iha, eefi.

He is in Asmara.

أسمَره إهه, ێفے.

Saawaa iha.

He is in Sawa.

ساوا إهه.

Suuriya iha.

He is in Syria.

سٌورِيه إهه.

Liibiya iha.

He is in Libya.

لٍيبِيه إهه.

Almaaniya iha.

He is in Germany.

ألمانِيه إهه.

<287>

Note that with this verb, there is a difference between the question (interrogative form) and the answer (affirmative form): ihee 'Is he?' / iha 'He is.'

Local Suffixes: -s

<288>

Several adverbial suffixes are used to express concepts of Place, such as source, direction etc.

Tunariitiisook b'ara!

Wake up from your sleepiness!

تُنَرٍيتٍيسۆك بأَره!

Tilhanayteesooh in'ur.

He is cured from his sickness.

تِلهَنَيتێسۆه إنءُر.

Bariisooh imkwas.

He revenged him (Lit of him).

بَرٍيسۆه إمكْوَس.

<289>

Ani ugawiisu y'an, y'aabu.

I came from my house.

أنے أُقَوٍيسُ يِأَن / يِآبُ.

Ugawiisooh giigaa!

Leave (M), go away from (M) his house!

أُقَوٍيسۆه قٍيقا!

Ugawiisu fir'a!

Get out of my house!

أُقَوٍيسُ فِرأه!

Ugalamiisu baakatiiba!

Don't write with my pen (Lit off my pen)!

أُقَلَمٍيسُ باكَتٍيبه!

Ufijjaaniisu baagw'aa!

Don't drink from my cup!

أُفِجّانٍيسُ باقْوآ!

Ukwursiyiisook yakaa!

Arise from your chair (stand up)!

أُكْوُرسِيٍيسۆك يَكا!

Local Suffixes: -say

Antooysay fir'a!

Get out of there!

أنتۆيسَي فِرأه!

Beentooysay fir'a!

Get out of (lit. from) there!

بێنتۆيسَي فِرأه!

Urbaayi kehiisay ikwbar

He descended from the hill.

أُربايے كهٍيسَي إكْوبَر.

Baruuk naamhiinaanii eeta, y'aawa?

From which place did you (M) come?

بَرٌوك نامهٍينانِي ێته, يِآوه?

Ani Asmaraayii y'aabu.

I came from Asmara.

أنے أسمَرايِي يِآبُ.

Ani Iritriiyaayii y'aabu.

I came from Eritrea.

أنے إرِترٍييايِي يِآبُ.

Ani Ukhartuumii y'aabu.

I came from (the) Khartoum.

أنے أُخَرتٌومِي يِآبُ.

Ani Soodaanii y'aabu.

I came from Sudan.

أنے سۆدانِي يِآبُ.

Ani Oosookii y'aabu.

I came from Suakin.

أنے ۆسۆكِي يِآبُ.

Naamhiinaanii idif?

From where did he go away?

نامهٍينانِي إدِف?

Naamhiinaanii ifir'a?

From where did he leave?

نامهٍينانِي إفِرأه?

Naamhiinaanii isgi?

From where is it far?

نامهٍينانِي إسقے?

Naamhiinaanii y'agar?

From where did he return?

نامهٍينانِي يِأَقَر?

Oon'umhiinaanii difa!

Go (M) away from this place!

ۆنءُمهٍينانِي دِفه!

Been'umhiinaanii igwshish.

He moved it from that place.

بێنءُمهٍينانِي إقْوشِش.

Been'umhiinaanii irfif, ifir'a.

He moved it from that place.

بێنءُمهٍينانِي إرفِف, إفِرأه.

Usoogii naan ha'anihook?

What do I bring for you (M) from the market?

أُسۆقِي نان هَأَنِهۆك?

Agwoordaatii y'agar.

He returned from Aqordat.

أقْوۆرداتِي يِأَقَر.

Karanii idgi.

He returned from Keren.

كَرَنِي إدقے.

Urabi ukaamii ikwbir.

He unloaded the camel.

أُرَبے أُكامِي إكْوبِر.

Tun'eetii tiftik.

She took it off (from) the fire.

تُنئێتِي تِفتِك.

Whindiiyii tikwaa!

Get (M) down from, off the tree!

وُهِندٍييِي تِكْوا!

Local Suffixes: -ii

Aayii id'ur?

From who (of which group) did he marry?

آيِي إدءُر?

Aayii igwhar?

From whom did he steal (it)?

آيِي إقْوهَر?

Aayii tiyihaya?

From whom did you (M) take (it)?

آيِي تِيِهَيه?

Aayii timaasiwa?

From whom did you hear (it)?

آيِي تِماسِوه?

Oon'usakana aayii timaasiwa?

From whom did you (M) get the news?

ۆنءُسَكَنه آيِي تِماسِوه?

Aniiyi iskw'a.

He felt shy in my presence (Lit of me).

أنٍييے إسكْوأه.

Naanaatii in'ur?

From what is he cured?

ناناتِي إنءُر?

Naamhiinaaniida imilha?

To where did he lead?

نامهٍينانٍيده إمِلهه?

Naamhiinaaniida is'am?

To where did he (let) ride?

نامهٍينانٍيده إسأَم?

Ugwharaayiida ifir'a.

He went out to the thief.

أُقْوهَرايٍيده إفِرأه.

Bariihooda tidgi.

She gave it back to him.

بَرٍيهۆده تِدقے.

Soodaaneeda iibaabaa!

Travel (M) to, toward Sudan!

سۆدانێده إيبابا!

Asmaraayiida agara!

Return to Asmara!

أسمَرايٍيده أقَره!

Asmaraayiida digaya!

Return to Asmara!

أسمَرايٍيده دِقَيه!

Asmaraayiida libasa!

Travel to Asmara at night! (NB 'travel at night' is one single verb)

أسمَرايٍيده لِبَسه!

Yameeda iyiwi, iyiwa.

He was thirsty for water.

يَمێده إيِوے, إيِوه.

Aayiida, aab hangiit.

For whom is he waiting?

آيٍيده هَنقٍيت.

Tuyiintiib ingida tindiya?

Do you (M) want to stand (M) in the sun?

تُيٍينتٍيب إنقِده تِندِيه?

Ufasliib baaniinaa!

Don't (M) hum in class!

أُفَسلٍيب بانٍينا!

Ushanhiib aayima!

Spend the day, stay at your work!

أُشَنهٍيب آيِمه!

Aaw umaktabiib kihay?

Who is not in the office?

آو أُمَكتَبٍيب كِهَي?

Ani umaktabiib kahay.

I am not in the office.

أنے أُمَكتَبٍيب كَهَي.

Baruuk umaktabiib kitehaya.

You (M) are not in the office.

بَرٌوك أُمَكتَبٍيب كِتِهَيه.

Batuuk umaktabiib kitehayi.

You (F) are not in the office.

بَتٌوك أُمَكتَبٍيب كِتِهَيے.

Baruuh umaktabiib kihay.

He is not in the office.

بَرٌوه أُمَكتَبٍيب كِهَي.

Batuuh umaktabiib kitehay.

She is not in the office.

بَتٌوه أُمَكتَبٍيب كِتِهَي.

Hinin umaktabiib kinhay.

We are not in the office.

هِنِن أُمَكتَبٍيب كِنهَي.

Baraakna umaktabiib kitehayna.

You (Pl) are not in the office.

بَراكنه أُمَكتَبٍيب كِتِهَينه.

Baraah umaktabiib kihayna.

They are not in the office.

بَراه أُمَكتَبٍيب كِهَينه.

Baruuh ugawiib ihay, ihee?

Is he in the house?

بَرٌوه أُقَوٍيب إهَي, إهێ?

Ugawiib kihay.

He is not in the house.

أُقَوٍيب كِهَي.

Umaktabiib kihay.

He is not in the office.

أُمَكتَبٍيب كِهَي.

Udukwkwaaniib kihay.

He is not in the shop.

أُدُكْوكْوانٍيب كِهَي.

Usuugiib kihay.

He is not in the market.

أُسٌوقٍيب كِهَي.

Tumadiinaatiib kihay.

He is not in the town.

تُمَدٍيناتٍيب كِهَي.

Whaashiib kihay.

He is not in the country.

وُهاشٍيب كِهَي.

<290>

The tribal or national affiliations are expressed by an adverbial suffix.

Baruuk naa naayiiwa?

Whose are you (M)?

بَرٌوك نا نايٍيوه?

Baruuk naa gwadiibwa?

What is your (M) tribe (Lit side)?

بَرٌوك نا قْوَدٍيبوه?

Baruuk naat gabiilaatiiwa?

What is your (M) tribe (From which tribe are you (M))?

بَرٌوك نات قَبٍيلاتٍيوه?

Ani Abaabdaayiibu.

I am (of) Abaabda.

أنے أبابدايٍيبُ.

Ani Atmaanaayiibu.

I am Atman.

أنے أتمانايٍيبُ.

Ani Bishaariibu.

I am Bishaari.

أنے بِشارٍيبُ.

Ani Handhiwaayiibu.

I am Hadendowa.

أنے هَنڈِوايٍيبُ.

Ani Nuuraayiibu.

I am Nuurayi.

أنے نٌورايٍيبُ.

Adverbial Suffixes for Nationalities 2

Baraakna naa naayiibaana?

Whose are you (Pl M)?

بَراكنه نا نايٍيبانه?

Hinin / Baraah Iritriiba.

We / They (M) are Eritreans.

هِنِن / بَراه إرِترٍيبه.

Hinin / Baraah Soodaaniiba.

We / They (M) are Sudanese.

هِنِن / بَراه سۆدانٍيبه.

Hinin / Baraah Amriikiiba.

We / They (M) are Americans.

هِنِن / بَراه أمرٍيكٍيبه.

Hinin / Baraah Ingiliiziiba.

We / They (M) are British.

هِنِن / بَراه إنقِلٍيزٍيبه.

<291>

Host and visitor

#1

Baruuk naayiiwa?

baruuk naa-yii-wa

Of what tribe (Lit whose) are you (M)?

Sg2M thing-CasGen-IdSg2M

#2

Baruuk naat takwa?

baruuk naat tak-wa

From which nationality, group (Lit thing) are you (M)?

Sg2M thing man-IdSg2M

#3

Ani Nuuraayiibu.

ani nuuraayiib-u

I am from (Lit of) the Nuura group.

Sg1 Nuuraayi-IdSg13M

#4

Nuuraayiib tikatiyeek, asgaab takwa.

nuuraayiib ti-kati-yeek asgaab tak-wa

If you (M) are from Nuura, you are a peaceful man.

Nuuraayi ImpfSg3FPf-be-Adv+if peaceful man-IdSg2M

#5

Baruuk oon'oomhiin naaka tirga tibariya?

baruuk oon-'oo-mhiin naaka tirg-a ti-bari-ya

How many years have you (M) (lived) in this place?

Sg2M NearSgMObjPf-ArtSgMObj-place how.many month-Pl PerfSg2MPf-have-PerfSg2M

#6

Ani oon'oomhiin asimhayt massi abari.

ani oon-'oo-mhiin asimhayt massi a-bari

I have (lived) in this place three years.

Sg1 NearSgMObjPf-ArtSgMObj-place eight year PerfSg1Pf-have

#7

Batuuk naayiituwi?

batuuk naa-yiit-uwi

Whose are you (F)?

Sg2F thing-CasGen-IdSg2F

#8

Batuuk naat takattuwi?

batuuk naat takatt-uwi

From which nationality, group (Lit thing) are you (F)?

Sg2F thing woman-IdSg2F

#9

Ani Almaaniitu.

ani almaaniit-u

I am (F) German (Lit of German).

Sg1 German-IdSg13F

#10

Almaaniit tikatiyeek, asgaat takattuwi.

almaaniit ti-kat-i-yeek asgaat takatt-uwi

If you (F) are German (Lit of German), you are a peaceful woman.

German ImpfSg3FPf-be-Adv+if peaceful woman-IdSg2F

#11

Batuuk oon'oomhiin naakaat massi tibarii?

batuuk oon-'oo-mhiin naakaat massi ti-bari-i

How many years have you (F) (lived) in this place?

Sg2F NearSgMObjPf-ArtSgMObj-place how.many year PerfSg2FPf-have-PerfSg2F

#12

Ani oon'oomhiin malu tirga abari.

ani oon-'oo-mhiin malu tirg-a a-bari

I have (lived) here two months.

Sg1 NearSgMObjPf-ArtSgMObj-place two month-Pl PerfSg1Pf-have

<292>

١ بَرٌوك نايٍيوه? ٢بَرٌوك نات تَكْوه? ٣ أنے نٌورايٍيبُ. ٤نٌورايٍيب تِكَتِيێك, أسقاب تَكْوه. ٥بَرٌوك ۆنؤۆمهٍين ناكه تِرقه تِبَرِيه? ٦ أنے ۆنؤۆمهٍين أسِمهَيت مَسّے أبَرے. ٧بَتٌوك نايٍيتُوے? ٨بَتٌوك نات تَكَتُّوے? ٩ أنے ألمانٍيتُ. ١٠ ألمانٍيت تِكَتِيێك, أسقات تَكَتُّوے. ١١ بَتٌوك ۆنؤۆمهٍين ناكات مَسّے تِبَرِي? ١٢ أنے ۆنؤۆمهٍين مَلُ تِرقه أبَرے.

Hargwiitii / yiweetii ayiya (ayiyayi).

I died from hunger / thirst.

هَرقْوٍيتِي / يِوێتِي أيِيه.

Hargwiitii tiyiyaa.

You (M) died from hunger.

هَرقْوٍيتِي تِيِيا.

Hargwiitii tiyiyaayi.

You (F) died from hunger.

هَرقْوٍيتِي تِيِيايے.

Hargwiitii iyiya.

He died from hunger.

هَرقْوٍيتِي إيِيه.

Hargwiitii tiyiya.

She died from hunger.

هَرقْوٍيتِي تِيِيه.

Hargwiitii niyiya.

We died from hunger.

هَرقْوٍيتِي نِيِيه.

Hargwiitii tiyiyaana.

You (Pl) died from hunger.

هَرقْوٍيتِي تِيِيانه.

Hargwiitii iyiyaan.

They died from hunger.

هَرقْوٍيتِي إيِيان.

Naantaayiida ifiyak?

Where (Lit where to) did he carry?

نانتايٍيده إفِيَك?

Naantaayiida imilha?

Where did he lead?

نانتايٍيده إمِلهه?

Tutakatiida gideha!

Descend for the woman's sake!

تُتَكَتٍيده قِدهه!

Tutakatiida kwibara!

Go down for the woman's sake!

تُتَكَتٍيده كْوِبَره!

Aniida talafoon iith'a tindiya?

Will you (M) telephone (to, for) me?

أنٍيده تَلَفۆن إيٹأه تِندِيه?

Aniida jawaab iiktib tindiya?

Will you (M) write (to, for) me a letter?

أنٍيده جَواب إيكتِب تِندِيه?

Aayiida y'agag, idigi?

For whom did he return?

آيٍيده يِأَقَق?

Aayiida y'ush?

For whom did he leave it?

آيٍيده يِءُش?

Aayiida ifiyak?

For whom did he load?

آيٍيده إفِيَك?

Aayiida imhi?

For whom did it, he remain?

آيٍيده إمهے?

Aayiida tiyihaya?

For whom did you (M) take it?

آيٍيده تِيِهَيه?

Aayiida imilha?

To whom did he lead?

آيٍيده إمِلهه?

Aliida bak diya!

Tell (to, for) Ali so!

ألٍيده بَك دِيه!

Bariihooda diya!

Tell him!

بَرٍيهۆده دِيه!

Aniida baashinhaya!

Don't worry about, for me!

أنٍيده باشِنهَيه!

Aniida ibi.

He went for me (representing me).

أنٍيده إبے.

Aniida iwnan.

He was angry with (Lit toward) me.

أنٍيده إونَن.

Aniida yam shaawa!

Add water for me!

أنٍيده يَم شاوه!

Baabiiyookda gada!

Stand up for your father!

بابٍييۆكده قَده!

Baabiiyookda shibooba!

Be good to your father!

بابٍييۆكده شِبۆبه!

Ikajareeda ifdhadh.

He confessed to the police.

إكَجَرێده إفڈَڈ.

Bariihooda baashinhaya, baashinaaha!

Don't worry about him!

بَرٍيهۆده باشِنهَيه, باشِناهه!

Bariihooda bahasaaya!

Don't be angry because of him!

بَرٍيهۆده بَهَسايه!

Bariihooda ifdhadh.

He confessed to him.

بَرٍيهۆده إفڈَڈ.

Temporal Suffixes

gaal samuuniib

within one week

قال سَمٌونٍيب

gaal tirgiib

within one month

قال تِرقٍيب

gaat masseetiib

within one year

قات مَسّێتٍيب

gaat s'aatiib

within one hour

قات سآتٍيب

amseeneeb

within this day

أمسێنێب

Temporal Suffix: -ka

Tuhattiika batook rhaayook kaaki.

I haven't seen you (F) since Sunday

تُهَتٍّيكه بَتۆك رهايۆك كاكے.

Iru bitkaayteeka batook rhaayook kaaki.

I haven't seen you (F) since before yesterday.

إرُ بِتكايتێكه بَتۆك رهايۆك كاكے.

Irooneeka batook rhaayook kaaki.

I haven't seen you (F) since yesterday.

إرۆنێكه بَتۆك رهايۆك كاكے.

Irooneeka ushanhu abaay kaaki.

I didn't go to the work since yesterday.

إرۆنێكه أُشَنهُ أباي كاكے.

Nabhoobeeka ugirmu lhiiniheeb.

My head aches (me) since midday.

نَبهۆبێكه أُقِرمُ لهٍينِهێب.

Wanaaneeka naan tamta?

What did you eat since this morning?

وَنانێكه نان تَمته?

Wanaaneeka buun nigraabu.

I am craving for coffee since this morning.

وَنانێكه بٌون نِقرابُ.

Amseeneeka ushanhu iiba kaadi.

As from today I won't go to my work.

أمسێنێكه أُشَنهُ إيبه كادے.

Lhayteeka ushanhu iiba kaadi.

As from tomorrow I won't go to my work.

لهَيتێكه أُشَنهُ إيبه كادے.

Lhayt baakaayeeka ushanhu iiba kaadi.

As from after tomorrow I won't go to my work.

لهَيت بِتكايتێكه أُشَنهُ إيبه كادے.

Tulitneentiika ushanhu iiba kaadi.

As from Monday I won't go to my work.

تُلِتنێنتٍيكه أُشَنهُ إيبه كادے.

Doorka doorka, door doorka malaal eebi.

From time to time I have diarrhea.

دۆركه دۆركه, دۆر دۆركه مَلال ێبے.

Sanaatka dhhani hagitna, siniina!

Always (Lit all the time) stay well!

سَناتكه ڈهَنے هَقِتنه, سِنٍينه!

Manner Suffixes: Comparative

<293>

The comparative uses the same form as the temporal phrase with 'since'. The same suffix -ka 'than, more than' is used in both instances. However, the item against which something is compared will take the genitive case suffix -ii/-ee '(Sg/Pl)' as well as -ka 'than'.

Comparative Suffix: -ka 1

Ali bariisookka hanyiis.

Ali is better than him.

ألے بَرٍيسۆكّه هَنيٍيس.

Amsi irooneeka hanyiis.

Today is better than yesterday.

أمسے إرۆنێكه هَنيٍيس.

Comparative Suffix: -ka 2

<294>

If two items are compared, the suffix -ka 'than' will be attached to both words: First the item against which the comparison is made, and second the attribute (i.e. the adjective) which is being compared.

Ani bariisookka winkaabu.

I (M) am bigger than you (M).

أنے بَرٍيسۆكّه وِنكابُ.

Ani batiisookka diskaatu.

I (F) am smaller than you (F).

أنے بَتٍيسۆكّه دِسكاتُ.

Baruuk aniika fagarkaawwa.

You (M) are more brave than me.

بَرٌوك أنٍيكه فَقَراكاوه.

Batuuk aniika afhamaakaatuwi.

You (F) are more clever than me.

بَتٌوك أنٍيكه أفهَماكاتُوے.

Baruuh batiisoohka winkaabu.

He is taller than she.

بَرٌوه بَتٍيسۆهكه وِنكابُ.

Batuuh bariisoohka diskaatu.

She is smaller than him.

بَتٌوه بَرٍيسۆهكه دِسكاتُ.

Hinin bareesooknaaka fagaraakaaba.

We are more brave than you (Pl M).

هِنِن بَرێسۆكناكه فَقَراكابه.

Hinin bateesooknaaka afhamaakaaba.

We are more clever than you (Pl F).

هِنِن بَتێسۆكناكه أفهَماكابه.

Baraakna hineeka wawinkaabaana.

You (Pl M) are taller than us.

بَراكنه هِنێكه وَوِنكابانه.

Bataakna hineeka dadiskaataana.

You (Pl F) are smaller than us.

بَتاكنه هِنێكه دَدِسكاتانه.

Baraah bateesoohka fagaraakaaba.

They (M) are more brave than her.

بَراه بَتٍيسۆهكه فَقَراكابه.

Bataah bareesoohka afhamaakaata.

They (F) are cleverer than him.

بَتاه بَرٍيسۆهكه أفهَماكاته.

<295>

The item against which the comparison is made may be left implicit, as in the following paradigms.

Ani winkaabu.

I (M) am taller.

أنے وِنكابُ.

Ani diskaatu.

I (F) am smaller.

أنے دِسكاتُ.

Baruuk fagarkaawa.

You (M) are more courageous.

بَرٌوك فَقَراكاوه.

Batuuk afhamaakaatuwi.

You (F) are more clever.

بَتٌوك أفهَماكاتُوے.

Baruuh winkaabu.

He is taller.

بَرٌوه وِنكابُ.

Batuuh diskaatu.

She is smaller.

بَتٌوه دِسكاتُ.

Hinin fagaraakaaba.

We are more courageous (M).

هِنِن فَقَراكابه.

Hinin afhamaakaata.

We are more clever (F).

هِنِن أفهَماكاته.

Baraakna wawinkaabaana.

You (Pl M) are taller.

بَراكنه وَوِنكابانه.

Bataakna dadiskaataana.

You (Pl F) are smaller.

بَتاكنه دَدِسكاتانه.

Baraah fagaraakaaba.

They (M) are more courageous.

بَراه فَقَراكابه.

Bataah afhamaakaata.

They (F) are more clever.

بَتاه أفهَماكاته.

Comparative Paradigm 2

Baruuh aniika winkaabu.

He is taller than me.

بَرٌوه أنٍيكه وِنكابُ.

Baruuh bariisookka winkaabu.

He is taller than you (M).

بَرٌوه بَرٍيسۆكّه وِنكابُ.

Baruuh batiisookka winkaabu.

He is taller than you (F).

بَرٌوه بَتٍيسۆكّه وِنكابُ.

Baruuh bariisoohka winkaabu.

He is taller than him.

بَرٌوه بَرٍيسۆهكه وِنكابُ.

Baruuh batiisoohka winkaabu.

He is taller than her.

بَرٌوه بَتٍيسۆهكه وِنكابُ.

Baruuh hineeka winkaabu.

He is taller than us.

بَرٌوه هِنێكه وِنكابُ.

Baruuh bareesooknaaka winkaabu.

He is taller than you (Pl M).

بَرٌوه بَرێسۆكناكه وِنكابُ.

Baruuh bateesooknaaka winkaabu.

He is taller than you (Pl F).

بَرٌوه بَتێسۆكناكه وِنكابُ.

Baruuh bareehsoonaaka winkaabu.

He is taller than them (M).

بَرٌوه بَرێهسۆناكه وِنكابُ.

Baruuh bateehsoonaaka winkaabu.

He is taller than them (F).

بَرٌوه بَتێهسۆناكه وِنكابُ.

Comparative Paradigm 3

Ani bariisoohka winkaabu.

I (M) am taller than him.

أنے بَرٍيسۆهكه وِنكابُ.

Ani bariisoohka winkaatu.

I (F) am taller than him.

أنے بَرٍيسۆهكه وِنكاتُ.

Baruuk bariisoohka winkaawwa.

You (M) are taller than him.

بَرٌوك بَرٍيسۆهكه وِنكاوه.

Batuuk bariisoohka winkaatuwi.

You (F) are taller than him.

بَتٌوك بَرٍيسۆهكه وِنكاتُوے.

Baruuh bariisoohka winkaabu.

He is taller than him.

بَرٌوه بَرٍيسۆهكه وِنكابُ.

Batuuh bariisoohka winkaatu.

She is taller than him.

بَتٌوه بَرٍيسۆهكه وِنكاتُ.

Hinin bariisoohka wawinkaaba.

We are taller than him.

هِنِن بَرٍيسۆهكه وَوِنكابه.

Baraakna bariisoohka wawinkaabaana.

You (Pl M) are taller than him.

بَراكنه بَرٍيسۆهكه وَوِنكابانه.

Bataakna bariisoohka wawinkaataana.

You (Pl F) are taller than him.

بَتاكنه بَرٍيسۆهكه وَوِنكاتانه.

Baraah bariisoohka wawinkaaba.

They (M) are taller than him.

بَراه بَرٍيسۆهكه وَوِنكابه.

Bataah bariisoohka wawinkaata.

They (F) are taller than him.

بَتاه بَرٍيسۆهكه وَوِنكاته.

<296>

The superlative uses the same suffix -ka 'more, more than'. A definite article marks the superlative, and a genitive marks the item to which it is superior.

Superlative 1 (M) 'of all'

Ali kasseeyoon oowin-kaabu.

Ali is the tallest of us all.

ألے كَسّێيۆن ۆوِن - كابُ.

Ali kasseeyookna oowin-kaabu.

Ali is the tallest of you (Pl M) all.

ألے كَسّێيۆكنه ۆوِن - كابُ.

Ali kasseehoona oowin-kaabu.

Ali is the tallest of them (M) all.

ألے كَسّێهۆنه ۆوِن - كابُ.

Superlative 2 (F) 'of all'

Zaynab kasseeyoon toowin-kaatu.

Zaynab is the tallest of us all.

زَينَب كَسّێيۆن تُوِنكاتُ.

Zaynab kasseeyookna toowin-kaatu.

Zaynab is the tallest of you (Pl) all.

زَينَب كَسّێتۆكنه تُوِنكاتُ.

Zaynab kasseehoona toowin-kaatu.

Zaynab is the tallest of them (M) all.

زَينَب كَسّێتهۆنه تُوِنكاتُ.

Superlative 3 'of all'

Batuuk kasseeyoon toowin-kaatuwi.

You (F) are the tallest of us all.

بَتٌوك كَسّێيۆن تُوِنكاتُوے.

Batuuk kasseetookna toowin-kaatuwi.

You (F) are the tallest of you (Pl F) all.

بَتٌوك كَسّێتۆكنه تُوِنكاتُوے.

Batuuk kasseetehoona toowin-kaatuwi.

You (F) are the tallest of them (F) all.

بَتٌوك كَسّێتهۆنه تُوِنكاتُوے.

Superlative 4 'of them'

Ani kasseeyookna ufagar-kaabu

I (M) am the bravest of you (Pl M) all.

أنے كَسّێيۆكنه أُفَقَركابُ

Ani kasseehoona w'afhamaa-kaabu

I (M) am the cleverest of them (M) all.

أنے كَسّێهۆنه وُأَفهَماكابُ

Baruuk kasseeyoon oowin-kaawwa

You (M) are the biggest of us all.

بَرٌوك كَسّێيۆن أُوِنكاوه

Batuuk kasseeyookna toodis-kaatuwi.

You (F) are the smallest of you all.

بَتٌوك كَسّێيۆكنه تُدِسكاتُوے.

Baruuh kasseehoona oowin-kaabu.

He is the biggest of them all.

بَرٌوه كَسّێهۆنه أُوِنكابُ.

Baruuh kasseehoona whamraa-kaabu.

He is the poorest, bitterest of them all.

بَرٌوه كَسّێهۆنه وُهَمراكابُ.

Baruuh kasseehoona w'eegrim-kaabu

He is the oldest of them all .

بَرٌوه كَسّێهۆنه وُئێراكابُ

Batuuh kasseehoona tu'akaraa-kaatu

She is the strongest of them all.

بَتٌوه كَسّێهۆنه تُأَكراكاتُ

Superlative 5 'of them'

Bateeyookna Zaynab tudaawriikaatu.

Zaynab is the nicest of you (Pl F Obj).

بَتێيۆكنه زَينَب تُداورٍيكاتُ.

Bareehoona Ali udaawriikaabu.

Ali is the nicest of them (M).

بَرێهۆنه ألے أُداورٍيكابُ.

Bateehoona Aasha tufagarkaatu.

Aasha is the bravest of them (F).

بَتێهۆنه آشه تُفَقَركاتُ.

Y'areeb Ali ufagarkaabu.

Ali is the bravest of the boys.

يِأَرێب ألے أُفَقَركابُ.

Ti'arteeb Aasha tufagarkaatu.

Aasha is the bravest of the girls.

تِأَرتێب آشه تُفَقَركاتُ.

Tim'ateeb Zaynab tudaawriikaatu.

Zaynab is the nicest of the women.

تِمأَتێب زَينَب تُداورٍيكاتُ.

Kasseehoona Haamid w'akaraakaabu.

Hammad is the strongest of them all.

كَسّێهۆنه هامِد وأَكراكابُ.

Kasseeyookna ani udaawriikaatu.

I (F) am the nicest of you all.

كَسّێيۆكنه أنے أُداورٍيكاتُ.

Ilaamdi kasseeyooh Ali ufagarkaabu.

Ali is the bravest of all the students.

إلامدے كَسّێيۆه ألے أُفَقَركابُ.

Ilaamdiiyeeb Ali ufagarkaabu.

Ali is the bravest of the students.

إلامدٍييێب ألے أُفَقَركابُ.

Adverbs with Possessive Suffixes

<297>

Adverbs refer to the circumstances in which things happen, such as the place or the time of the event.

kehii

above

كهِي

har'i

after, behind

هَرإِ

hooy

from, among

هۆي

hiiy

in, inside

هٍيي

suuri

in front, before

سٌورے

geeb

near, beside, close by

قێب

dehooy

to, for

دهۆي

mari

toward

مَرے

whii

under, underneath

وهِي

gwad

with, together

قْوَد

<298>

In expressions like 'near you', the adverb may refer to a person. In such cases, the person to which the place or time refers has the form of a possessive suffix, such as in the example geeb-ook 'nearness-yours', meaning 'near you'.

dehu, dehooyu

to me, for me

دهُ, دهۆيُ

dehook

to, for you

دهۆك

dehooh

to, for him, her

دهۆه

dehoon

to, for us

دهۆن

dehookna

to, for you (Pl)

دهۆكنه

dehaay

to, for them

دهاي

Adverb 'for' 2

Dehook amad.

I made it (Lit was) easy ( easy) for you (M).

دهۆك أمَد.

Dehu timada.

You (M) made it (Lit were) easy for me.

دهُ تِمَده.

Dehu timadi.

You (F) made it (Lit were) easy for me.

دهُ تِمَدے.

Dehu imad.

He made it (Lit was) easy for me.

دهُ إمَد.

Dehu timad.

She made it (Lit was) easy for me.

دهُ تِمَد.

Dehookna nimad.

We made it (Lit were) easy to, for you (Pl).

دهۆكنه نِمَد.

Dehoon timadna.

You (Pl) made it (Lit were) easy to, for us.

دهۆن تِمَدنه.

Dehoon imadna.

They made it (Lit were) easy to, for us.

دهۆن إمَدنه.

Adverb 'for, to'

Dehooyu agira!

Bring (M) (it) back to me!

دهۆيُ أقِره!

Dehoon agirna!

Bring (Pl) (it) back to us!

دهۆن أقِرنه!

geebu

near me

قێبُ

geebook

near you

قێبۆك

geeboon

near us

قێبۆن

geebookna

near you (Pl)

قێبۆكنه

gwadu

with me

قْوَدُ

gwadook

with you

قْوَدۆك

gwadoon

with us

قْوَدۆن

gwadookna

with you (Pl)

قْوَدۆكنه

Adverb '(together) with' 1

Gwadoon aayima!

Stay, spend the day with us!

قْوَدۆن آيِمه!

Gwadoon daayaa!

Stay (Lit put) with us!

قْوَدۆن دايا!

Gwadoon mhiya!

Remain with us!

قْوَدۆن مهِيه!

Aaw gwadoon eefi?

Who is with us?

آو قْوَدۆن ێفے?

Ani gwadookna eefi.

I am with you (Pl).

أنے قْوَدۆكنه ێفے.

Baruuk gwadoon teefaya.

You (M) are with us.

بَرٌوك قْوَدۆن تێفَيه.

Batuuk gwadoon teefayi.

You (F) are with us.

بَتٌوك قْوَدۆن تێفَيے.

Baruuh gwadoon eefi.

He is with us.

بَرٌوه قْوَدۆن ێفے.

Batuuh gwadoon teefi.

She is with us.

بَتٌوه قْوَدۆن تێفے.

Hinin gwadookna neefi.

We are with you (M).

هِنِن قْوَدۆكنه نێفے.

Baraakna gwadoon teefeena.

You (Pl M) are with us.

بَراكنه قْوَدۆن تێفێنه.

Baraah gwadoon eefeen.

They (M) are with us.

بَراه قْوَدۆن ێفێن.

hiiyu

in me

هٍييُ

hiiyook

in you

هٍييۆك

hiiyoon

in us

هٍييۆن

hiiyookna

in you (Pl)

هٍييۆكنه

kehiiyu

above me

كهٍييُ

kehiiyook

above you

كهٍييۆك

kehiiyoon

above, on us

كهٍييۆن

kehiiyookna

above, on you (Pl)

كهٍييۆكنه

whiiyu

under me

وهٍييُ

whiiyook

under you

وهٍييۆك

whiiyoon

under us

وهٍييۆن

whiiyookna

under you (Pl)

وهٍييۆكنه

hooyu

from me

هۆيُ

hook

from you

هۆك

hooy

from him, her

هۆي

hoon

from, among us

هۆن

hookna

from, among you (Pl)

هۆكنه

hooy, hoona, bareehsoona

from, among them

هۆي, هۆنه, بَرێهسۆنه

Adverb 'among'

Hoon ihee? [14]

Is he among us?

هۆن إهێ?

Hoon tihee?

Is she among us?

هۆن تِهێ?

Hoon iheen?

Are they among us?

هۆن إهێن?

Hookna ihee?

Is he among you (Pl)?

هۆكنه إهێ?

Hookna tihee?

Is she among you (Pl)?

هۆكنه تِهێ?

Hookna iheen?

Are they among you (Pl)?

هۆكنه إهێن?

Hooy ihee?

Is he among them?

هۆي إهێ?

Hooy tihee?

Is she among them?

هۆي تِهێ?

Hooy iheen?

Are they among them?

هۆي إهێن?

Hookna ihayhoob, dehooyu fir'ana!

When he is among you (Pl), send (Pl) him out to me!

هۆكنه إهَيهۆب, دهۆيُ فِرأَنه!

Oon'ootak hissaabook hooy d'iya!

Be careful about this man (Lit This man, put your mind on him)!

ۆنؤۆتَك هِسّابۆك هۆي دإِيه!

<299>

Adverb 'with (him, her, it, them)'

Haay giigaa!

Go away with it, him!

هاي قٍيقا!

Oosuug haay ibi.

He went to the market with it, him.

ۆسٌوق هاي إبے.

Ub'ani haay is'a.

The vulture sat down with it, him.

أُبأَنے هاي إسأه.

Ub'ani haay insi.

The vulture ascended up with it, him.

أُبأَنے هاي إنسے.

Usanuuk haay hawaayiya.

Your brother played with it, him.

أُسَنٌوك هاي هَوايِيه.

Tirig gaal haay kitihagiti?

Won't you (F) stay one month with it, him?

تِرِق قال هاي كِتِهَقِتے?

<300>

The adverb haay 'with' never changes. But when it is used, a third person is always implicit. Therefore haay 'with' must be translated either as 'with it', or 'with him', 'with her', or 'with them' - depending on the context.

maru

toward me

مَرُ

marook

toward you

مَرۆك

mari

toward him, her

مَرے

maroon

toward us

مَرۆن

marookna

toward you (Pl)

مَرۆكنه

marooh, bareeh mari

toward them

مَرۆه, بَرێه مَرے

har'u

behind, after me

هَرءُ

har'ook

behind you

هَرؤۆك

har'i, bariiyooh har'i

behind him, her

هَرإِ, بَرٍييۆه هَرإِ

har'oon

behind us

هَرؤۆن

har'ookna

behind you (Pl)

هَرؤۆكنه

har'i, bareehoona har'i

behind them

هَرإِ, بَرێهۆنه هَرإِ

suuru

in front of, before me

سٌورُ

suurook

before you

سٌورۆك

suur

before him, her

سٌور

suuroon

before us

سٌورۆن

suurookna

before you (Pl)

سٌورۆكنه

suurhoona

before them

سٌورهۆنه

Suuru sakaa!

Walk (M) before me!

سٌورُ سَكا!

Suuroon sakaa!

Walk (M) before us!

سٌورۆن سَكا!

<301>

A: host, B: traveler

#1

A: Yakaana! Shaahiib hiddaab gw'aniiyay!

yak-aana shaahiib hiddaab gw'a-niiyay

A: Get up (Pl)! Let us have tea together!

arise-ImpvPl tea together drink-PermPl1

#2

Ugawi jiwaay winneet l'aabu,

u-gaw-i jiwaay winneet l'-aab-u

In the room (house) it is very cold,

ArtSgM-house-CasGen inside very be.cool-PtcpPast-IdSg13M

#3

barraab nitfir'a!

barraab ni-tfir'a

let us go out !

outside ImpfPl1Pf-exit

#4

B: Daayiitu, tuyiintiib nitfir'a!

daayiit-u tu-yiint-iib ni-tfir'a

B: Good, let us go out in the sun!

good-IdSg13F ArtSgF-sun-Adv+at ImpfPl1Pf-exit

#5

A: Naadoor eetaana?

naadoor ee-taana

A: When did you (Pl) come?

what.time come-PerfPl2

#6

B: Iru eena.

iru ee-na

B: We came yesterday.

yesterday come-PerfPl1

#7

A: Tu'iibaab kak tid'i?

tu-'iibaab kak ti-d'i

A: How was the journey?

ArtSgF-journey how PerfSg3FPf-put

#8

B: Yaa takay! Hamiitu.

yaa tak-ay hamiit-u

B: Oh man! It was difficult (Lit bitter).

hello man-Vocat bitter-IdSg13M

#9

A: Tu'iibaab kak tan'i?

tu-'iibaab kak Zero-tan'i

A: What kind of journey was it?

ArtSgF-journey how ImpfSg3MPf-be.similar

#10

B: Winneet hamiitu.

winneet hamiit-u

B: It was (Lit is) very difficult (Lit bitter).

very bitter-IdSg13F

#11

A: Afa naat naataana?

afa naat naa-taana

A: Where did you spend the last night?

last.night what.place pass.night-PerfPl2

#12

B: Fundukiib, fundugiib naana.

funduk-iib naa-na

B: We slept in a hotel.

hotel-Adv+at pass.night-PerfPl1

#13

A: Daayi funduk, fundug timiruuna?

daayi funduk ti-miru-una

A: Have you found a good hotel?

good hotel PerfPl2Pf-find-PerfPl2

#14

B: Whaaliiyoon haddiib nimiru.

w-haali-i-yoon hadd-iib ni-miru

B: We found one according to our ability.

ArtSgM-condition-CasGen-PossPl1 until-Adv+at PerfPl1Pf-find

#15

A: Aliyaabuhan rhasaabu?

aliyaab-u-han rhasaab-u

A: Is it expensive or cheap?

expensive-IdSg13M-also be.cheap-IdSg13M

#16

B: Yaa takay, winneet rhasaabu.

yaa tak-ay winneet rhasaab-u

B: Oh man, it is really cheap.

hello man-Vocat very be.cheap-IdSg13M

#17

A: Oon'umhiinaani sagiibuhan dawilu?

oon-'u-mhiinaan-i sagiib-u-han dawil-u

A: Is it far from here or near?

NearSgMObjPf-ArtSgM-place-CasGen far-IdSg13M-also closeness-IdSg13M

#18

B: Winneet sagiib kiiki.

winneet sagiib kii-ki

B: It is not very far.

very far NegImpfSg3MPf-be

<302>

١ يَكانه! شاهٍيب هِدّاب قْوأَنٍييَي! ٢ أُقَوے جِواي وِنّێت لآبُ, ٣بَرّاب نِتفِرأه! ٤دايٍيتُ, تُيٍينتٍيب نِتفِرأه! ٥نادۆر ێتانه? ٦ إرُ ێنه. ٧تُإيباب كَك تِدإِ? ٨ يا تَكَي! هَمٍيتُ. ٩تُإيباب كَك تَنإِ? ١٠ وِنّێت هَمٍيتُ. ١١ أفه نات ناتانه? ١٢ فُندُكٍيب نانه. ١٣ دايے فُندُك تِمِرٌونه? ١٤ وُهالٍييۆن هَدٍّيب نِمِرُ. ١٥ ألِيابُهَن رهَسابُ? ١٦ يا تَكَي, وِنّێت رهَسابُ. ١٧ ۆنءُمهٍينانے سَقٍيبُهَن دَوِلُ? ١٨ وِنّێت سَقٍيب كٍيكے.



[5] Jabanaat, tujabana refers both to the coffee pot as well as the ceremony of having several cups of coffee together.

[6] Note that sequences like b-w often change to (w)-w. The difference between bw and ww and ww is minimal.

[7] Even words which have three consonants are usually considered as having only one syllable, provided the first vowel is an unstressed i, such as in nifis 'appetite'. This applies even with words that have three consonants because of affixes, like sim-ooh 'his name (Lit name-his)'. The reason is that the i between the first two consonants may disappear when the article is attached; so nifis becomes oo-nfis, and sim-ooh becomes oo-sm-ooh.

[8] The Hadendowa dialect uses i- /ti- instead of u- / tu-. Therefore, Sg and Pl cannot be distinguished.

[9] Both pronunciations are found, ani and ani.

[10] Both forms are found: tarabeeza and tarabeeda.

[11] An alternative currency.

[12] Some dialects prefer forms with a prefixed n- for words which start with a d or g.

[13] To avoid ambiguity with 'come!', in the Bishari dialect a suffix -t is added.

[14] Alternative forms would be Hoon eefi?, etc., where the verb faya 'to be' is used rather than the verb haya 'to be'.

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