Thahi syntax
- Main article: Thahi
This page gives an extensive description of Thahi syntactical features.
Main clause and word order
Thahi is an almost strictly VSO (Verb-Subject-Object) language.
gäkhägùsga gòpha kheʔù 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 only word order with a clear role and a frequent usage is VOS (Verb-Object-Subject), which conveys a passive meaning.
gäkhägùsga kheʔù gòpha the dog is seen by the man
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. An object in the dative case, when conveying the indirect object, tends to be placed after the direct object of the sentence.
gebolérmo gòpha bèse na kheʔù the man gives bread to the dog
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.
ṅämrò thi gòpha the man’s house
ròpha runì the young woman
A key role inside the noun cluster is played by the process called agreement. This process create a bond between a noun and other adjectival elements. Other elements, which convey possession or belonging do not agree with the main nominal form (including the possessive adjectives).
gägajfà gòpha gunì ba ṅämrò the young man is going home
The agreement is also marked on predicative adjectives, spreading thus in the verb groups.
The agreement does distinguish also the number of the noun cluster. Number is marked only on nouns and adjectival elements, while other elements, which convey possession or belonging, do not agree with the main nominal form in number.
rö́sà rôpha rúnì the two young women
rèhdi rôpha rúnì the women are young
The role of the noun cluster in the sentence is marked by prepositions, which are placed before the cluster. Thus, it can be stated that the noun cluster can be introduced by a preposition.
jägajfà phun ṅämrò I am going inside the house
