Ỹhɛ syntax

Main article: Ỹhɛ

This page gives an extensive description of Ỹhɛ syntactical features.

Main clause and word order

Ỹhɛ is an almost strictly SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) language.

osmɔç vuɣner moce hüɟa
the man sees the dog

The total lack of any case system, and of any distinction between the subject and the direct object, makes the word order firmly fixed.

The other elements in the sentence are usually placed in the order “time-cause-manner-place”, although they are basically freer than the main elements, as they are conveyed by the case system or by the prepositions. The indirect object tends to be placed after the direct object of the sentence.

Any of the elements can be emphasized by placing it at the beginning or in the end of the sentence. This can be done through any of the evidential particles, which are to be placed before the emphasized element.

sy hüɟa osmɔç vuɣner moce 
it's the dog the man sees

Nouns

The noun cluster is formed by a noun, carrying the main meaning, and by other noun-type forms, namely adjectives, which specify this meaning or add other meanings to the main noun. Inside of a noun cluster, the noun can be replaced by a pronoun.

The noun usually introduces the noun cluster, being followed by every other specifying form. Thus, other elements conveying possession and belonging are always placed after the noun, as well as every attributive adjective.

gardan gü hɛ 
the man’s house

ö̃ge gö̃
my hand

ʑanɔç čü̃
the young woman

The noun cluster does not usually distinguish any number. If necessary, a numeral meaning is marked by indefinite adjectives, numerals or reduplication processes.

The role of the noun cluster in the sentence is marked by prepositions. Thus, it can be stated that the noun cluster can be introduced by a preposition.

ɔ̃ ɣoreɟ nodo gardan
I am going inside the house