Į̄mχɛ̱́ syntax

Main article: Į̄mχɛ̱́

This page gives an extensive description of Į̄mχɛ̱́ syntactical features.

Main clause and word order

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

nɔ̀χɛ̱́ θū ɑ̀rɛ́ χon 
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 before 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 the evidential particle ɛ́, which is to be placed after the emphasized element.

ha̱ χon ɛ́ nɔ̀χɛ̱́ θū ɑ̀rɛ́ 
it's the dog the man sees

By using the evidential particle, every preposition of any kind must be clearly expressed.

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 is usually located in the center of the noun cluster, being preceded or followed by every other specifying form.

Non-adjectival elements conveying possession and belonging are always placed after the noun.

kah θı̄ χɛ̱́
the man’s house

xǫ̱̋ θı̄ wo̱
my hand

Every attributive adjectives, conversely, is always placed before the noun.

χat βuθχɛ̱́ 
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.

wo̱ tı́ pu̱rɛ́ ɑ̱̂ kah 
I am going inside the house