Pı̀ syntax

Main article: Pı̀

This page gives an extensive description of Pı̀ syntactical features.

Main clause and word order

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

ɔ̄̀nhɛ̱ sū̀ ña̱ hó 
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 ɛ̀, which is to be placed after the emphasized element.

a̱ hó ɛ̀ ɔ̄̀nhɛ̱ sū̀ ña̱ 
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 usually closes the noun cluster, being preceded by every other specifying form. Thus, other elements conveying possession and belonging are always placed before the noun, as well as every attributive adjective.

hɛ̱ sɪ̄̀ kà
the man’s house

go̱ sɪ̄̀ bȁ̱
my hand

hat fushɛ̱ 
the young woman

A notable exception to this rule is the definite construction of qualifying adjectives. In this case the adjective is introduced by a demonstrative pronoun and both are placed after their adjoining noun.

fushɛ̱ tı̱̋ hat
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.

go̱ tı̀ pò nó kà 
I am going inside the house