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03 Basic Morphology

天邪弱 Lucifer Caelius DelicatusMay 3, 2024About 45 min

3.0 Basic Morphology

In this chapter, we will discuss those morphological categories which are mandatory to a formative and which apply to both nominal and verbal formatives. In other words, those morphological slots from Sec. 2.3 above of a noun or verb which are grammatically required to be expressed by inflected affixes, rather than being optional. The specific categories we will discuss are Configuration, Affiliation, Perspective, Extension, Essence, Version, Function, and Context.

II
Term
Vv )
Category
Version + Stem
Form
vocalic affix

3.1 Configuration

To understand the concept of set relation and quantification of nouns in New Ithkuil (i.e., what other languages’ term singular, plural, etc.) one must analyze three separate but related grammatical categories termed Configuration, Affiliation, and Perspective. These concepts are alien to other languages. While they deal with semantic distinctions which are quantitative in nature, these distinctions are usually made at the lexical level (i.e., via word choice) in other languages, not at the morphological level as in New Ithkuil. In this section we will deal first with Configuration, followed by Affiliation in Section 3.2 and Perspective in Section 3.2.

Specifically, Configuration deals with the physical similarity or relationship between members of a noun referent within groups, collections, sets, assortments, arrangements, or contextual gestalts, as delineated by internal composition, separability, compartmentalization, physical similarity or componential structure. This is best explained and illustrated by means of analogies to certain English sets of words.

Consider the English word tree. In English, a single tree may stand alone out of context, or it may be part of a group of trees. Such a group of trees may simply be two or more trees considered as a plural category based on mere number alone, e.g., two, three, or twenty trees. However, it is the nature of trees to exist in more contextually relevant groupings than merely numerical ones. For example, the trees may be of like species as in a grove of trees. The grouping may be an assortment of different kinds of trees as in a forest or occur in patternless disarray such as a jungle.

As another example, we can examine the English word person. While persons may occur in simple numerical groupings such as a (single) person or three persons it is more common to find persons (i.e., people) referred to by words which indicate various groupings such as group, gathering, crowd, etc.

Segmentation and amalgamated componential structure are further configurative principles which distinguish related words in English. The relationships between car versus convoy, hanger versus rack, chess piece versus chess set, sentry versus blockade, piece of paper versus sheaf, girder versus (structural) framework, and coin versus roll of coins all exemplify these principles.

Another type of contextual grouping of nouns occurs in binary sets, particularly in regard to body parts. These binary sets can comprise two identical referents as in a pair of eyes, however they are more often opposed or “mirror-image” (i.e., complementary) sets as in limbs, ears, hands, wings, etc.

The semantic distinctions implied by the above examples as they relate to varying assortments of trees or persons would be accomplished by inflecting the word-stem for tree or person into one of twenty different configurations. Additional semantic distinctions on the basis of purpose or function between individual members of a set could then be made by means of Affiliation (see Section 3.2 below) and by the use of specific affixes. For example, once the words for ‘forest’ or ‘crowd’ were derived from tree and person via Configuration, the words for orchard, copse, team or mob could easily be derived via affiliation and affixes. (Such derivations into new words using affixes are explored in detail in Chapter 7: Affixes.)

The category of Configuration consists of the amalgamation of three separate factors: Plexity, Separability, and Similarity.

  • Plexity is a three-way distinction as to whether an entity/event/act/state is single or internally unified, is binary or two-halved in nature, or has three or more components/pieces/parts/members. These three states of Plexity are termed UNIPLEX, DUPLEX, and MULTIPLEX (abbreviated as U, D, and M).

  • Similarity is a three-way distinction as to whether a group of entities considered as a whole have individual members which are physically similar to each other, physically dissimilar to each other, or which together constitute a “fuzzy” category in terms of similarity (where the degree of similarity between individual members is subjective, unascertainable, irrelevant or not easily definable). These three states of Similarity are termed SIMILAR, DISSIMILAR, and FUZZY (abbreviated S, D, and F as the third letter following the Plexity and Separability abbreviation letters second letter following the Plexity abbreviation letter). Note that Similarity does not apply to UNIPLEX entities/events/acts/states.

  • Separability is a three-way distinction as to whether a group of entities when considered as a whole have individual members which are physically separate from each other, connected to each other in some way (whether physically or abstractly or metaphorically), or fused together (whether physically or abstractly or metaphorically). These three states of Separability are termed SEPARATE, CONNECTED, and FUSED (abbreviated as S, C, and F as the second letter following the Plexity abbreviation letter third letter following the Plexity and Similarity abbreviation letters). Note that Separability does not apply to UNIPLEX entities/events/acts/states.

Based on the above, there are a total of twenty configurations, indicated via the Ca consonantal affix in Slot VI of the formative. Note that in addition to showing Configuration, this Ca affix also indicates the Affiliation, Perspective, Extension and Essence of the stem. The twenty configurations are shown below, each with its consonantal affix that appears in Slot VI of the formative:

[UNI | MULTI]PLEX
*
UPX
t
MSS
k
MSC
p
MSF
ţ
MDS
f
MDC
ç
MDF
z
MFS
ž
MFC
ẓ
MFF

* The UNIPLEX is shown by the absence of any Configuration affix; if all five Ca affixes have their “zero”/default values, the Ca form is -l-.

Note that a formative in DPX Configuration alone indicates that it constitutes a pair, without overtly specifying the similarity or separability between the two member-entities of the pair.

Examples of Various Configurations:

Cat
rrala
“cat”-UPX
a cat
rrasa
“cat”-DPX
a pair of cats
rraca
“cat”-DSS
a pair of similar cats
rraţsa
“cat”-DDS
a pair of dissimilar cats
rrata
“cat”-MSS
a group of similar cats
rraţa
“cat”-MDS
a group of dissimilar cats
rraza
“cat”-MFS
a group of what appear to be cats, some more than others

The Revisor’s Comment

anzwu- changes to anzwi- because the gloss implies it.

3.2 Affiliation

While the category of Configuration from the preceding section distinguishes the relationships between the individual members of a set in terms of physical similarities, physical connections, and number of component-entities, the category of Affiliation operates to distinguish the member relationships in terms of subjective purpose, function, or benefit. Affiliation operates synergistically in conjunction with Configuration to describe the total contextual relationship between the members of a set. Like Configuration, the meanings of nouns or verbs in the various affiliations often involve lexical changes when translated into English.

Returning to our earlier example of the word tree, we saw how a group of trees of the same species becomes a grove in the MSC configuration. The word grove implies that the trees have grown naturally, with no specific purpose or function in regard to human design or utilization. On the other hand, groves of trees may be planted by design, in which case they become an orchard. We saw how trees occurring as a natural assortment of different kinds is termed a forest. However, such assortments can become wholly chaotic, displaying patternless disarray from the standpoint of subjective human design, thus becoming a jungle.

As another example, we saw how the word person becomes group, or gathering, both of which are neutral as to subjective purpose or function. However, applying a sense of purposeful design generates words such as team, while the absence of purpose results in crowd.

There are four affiliations: CONSOLIDATIVE, ASSOCIATIVE, VARIATIVE, and COALESCENT. Like Configuration, Affiliation is also indicated as part of the Ca affix-complex in Slot VI of the formative. An Affiliation affix constitutes the first affix shown in the Ca affix-complex in Slot VI, immediately before the Configuration affix. The details of the four affiliations are explained below along with their affixes.

3.2.1 CSL The Consolidative

The CONSOLIDATIVE affiliation is shown by a null affix, i.e., it is the absence of an Affiliation affix in slot VI that indicates CONSOLIDATIVE affiliation. This affiliation indicates that the individual members of a configurational set are a naturally occurring set where the function, state, purpose or benefit of individual members is inapplicable, irrelevant, or if applicable, is shared. It differs from the ASSOCIATIVE affiliation below in that the role of individual set members is not subjectively defined by human design. Examples are tree branches, a grove, a mound of rocks, some people, the clouds.

The CONSOLIDATIVE is also the affiliation normally applied to nouns in the UNIPLEX configuration when spoken of in a neutral way, since a noun in the UNIPLEX specifies one single entity without reference to a set, therefore the concept of “shared” function would be inapplicable. Examples: a man, a door, a sensation of heat, a leaf. With verbs, the CONSOLIDATIVE would imply that the act, state, or event is occurring naturally, or is neutral as to purpose or design.

čväţa
a bunch of tools
arsweţ
a group of planets
zvata
a set/group of similar dogs
sřala
a room

The Revisor’s Comment

čve- changes to čvä- because it does not meet the lexicon definition.

sřu- changes to sřa- because its interpretation does not imply the meaning of DYN.

Note that the following examples also apply corrections.

3.2.2 ASO The Associative

The ASSOCIATIVE affiliation is shown by the Slot VI-initial affix -l-, immediately followed by the Configuration affix. Note that if this affix is the only affix shown in the entire Slot VI Ca affix-complex, then it is instead shown by the stand-alone affix -nļ-. ASSOCIATIVE affiliation indicates that the individual members of a configurational set share the same subjective function, state, purpose or benefit. Its use can be illustrated by taking the word for “soldier” in MULTIPLEX configuration and comparing its English translations when inflected for the CONSOLIDATIVE affiliation (= a group of soldiers) versus the ASSOCIATIVE (= a troop, a platoon). It is this CONSOLIDATIVE versus ASSOCIATIVE distinction, then, that would distinguish otherwise equivalent inflections of the word for tree by translating them respectively as a grove versus an orchard.

The ASSOCIATIVE affiliation can also be used with nouns in the UNIPLEX configuration to signify a sense of unity amongst one’s characteristics, purposes, thoughts, etc. For example, the word person inflected for the UNIPLEX and ASSOCIATIVE would translate as a single-minded person. Even nouns such as rock, tree or work of art could be inflected this way, subjectively translatable as a well-formed rock, a tree with integrity, a “balanced” work of art.

With verbs, the ASSOCIATIVE signifies that the act, state or event is by design or with specific purpose. The CONSOLIDATIVE versus ASSOCIATIVE distinction could be used, for example, with the verb turn in I turned toward the window to indicate whether it was for no particular reason or due to a desire to look outside.

čvälţa
a well-designed set of tools
arswelţ
an alliance of planets
zvalta
a pack of similar dogs
sřanļa
the room with singular purpose

3.2.3 COA The Coalescent

The COALESCENT affiliation is shown by the Slot VI-initial affix -r-, immediately followed by the Configuration affix. Note that if this affix is the only affix shown in the entire Slot VI Ca affix-complex, then it is instead shown by the stand-alone affix -rļ-. The COALESCENT affiliation indicates that the members of a configurational set share in a complementary relationship with respect to their individual functions, states, purposes, benefits, etc. This means that, while each member’s function is distinct from those of other members, each serves in furtherance of some greater unified role. For example, the word translating English toolset would be the word for tool in the MDS (MULTIPLEX-DISSIMILAR-SEPARATE) configuration (due to each tool’s distinct physical appearance) and the COALESCENT affiliation to indicate that each tool has a distinct but complementary function in furtherance of enabling construction or repair activities. Another example would be the word for finger inflected for the MSC (MULTIPLEX-SIMILAR-CONNECTED) configuration and the COALESCENT affiliation, translatable as the fingers on one’s hand (note the use of the MSC configuration to imply the physical connection between each finger via the hand). A further example would be using the COALESCENT with the word for (piece of) food to signify a well-balanced meal.

The COALESCENT naturally appears most often in conjunction with the DUPLEX configuration since binary sets tend to be complementary. It is used, for example, to signify symmetrical binary sets such as body parts, generally indicating a lefthand/righthand mirror-image distinction, e.g., one’s ears, one’s hands, a pair of wings. Pairs that do not normally distinguish such a complementary distinction (e.g., one’s eyes) can nevertheless be optionally placed in the COALESCENT affiliation to emphasize bilateral symmetry (e.g., one’s left and right eye functioning together).

With verbs, the COALESCENT signifies that related, synergistic nature of the component acts, states, and events which make up a greater holistic act, state, or event. It imposes a situational structure onto an act, state, or event, where individual circumstances work together in complementary fashion to comprise the total situation. It would be used, for example, to distinguish the sentences He traveled in the Yukon from He ventured in the Yukon, or I came up with a plan versus I fashioned a plan.

čvärţa
a toolset
arswerţ
a confederation of planets
zvarta
a dog team
sřarļa
a room whose purposes are interrelated

3.2.4 VAR The Variative

The VARIATIVE affiliation is shown by the Slot VI-initial affix -ř-, immediately followed by the Configuration affix. Note that if this affix is the only affix shown in the entire Slot VI Ca affix-complex, then it is instead shown by the stand-alone affix -ň-. The VARIATIVE affiliation indicates that the individual members of a configurational set differ as to subjective function, state, purpose or benefit. The differences among members can be to varying degrees (i.e., constituting a fuzzy set in regard to function, purpose, etc.) or at complete odds with one another, although it should be noted that the VARIATIVE would not be used to signify opposed but complementary differences among set members (see the COALESCENT affiliation below above). It would thus be used to signify a jumble of tools, odds-and-ends, a random gathering, a rag-tag group, a dysfunctional couple, a cacophony of notes, of a mess of books, a collection in disarray. It operates with nouns in the UNIPLEX to render meanings such as a man at odds with himself, an ill-formed rock, a chaotic piece of art, a “lefthand-righthand” situation.

With verbs, the VARIATIVE indicates an act, state, or event that occurs for more than one reason or purpose, and that those reasons or purposes are more or less unrelated. This sense can probably be captured in English only through paraphrase, as in She bought the house for various reasons or My being at the party served several purposes. With non-UNIPLEX configurations, the use of the VARIATIVE affiliation can describe rather complex phenomena; for example, a sentence using the MSS configuration such as The light is blinking in conjunction with the VARIATIVE would mean that each blink of the light signals something different from the preceding or following blinks.

čväřţa
a mishmash of various tools
arsweřţ
a disorganized group of planets
zvařta
a rag-tag group of dogs
sřaňa
a room with disparate purposes

3.3 Perspective

Perspective is the closest New Ithkuil equivalent to the Number category of most natural languages (i.e., singular, plural, collective, etc.). There are four perspectives: MONADIC, AGGLOMERATIVE, NOMIC, and ABSTRACT, shown respectively by the Slot VI affixes [null] (with stand-alone alternate of -l), -r-, -w- (with stand-alone alternate of -v), and -y- (with stand-alone alternate of -j-). The Perspective affix comes last in the sequence of affixes contained in the Slot VI Ca affix-complex. The four perspectives are described below:

3.3.1 M The Monadic

The MONADIC is unmarked in terms of an affix (i.e., a null affix), unless it is the only affix in the Slot VI Ca affix-complex, in which case its affix is -l-. It signifies a single embodiment of a particular configuration, meaning a contextual entity which, though possibly numerous in membership or multifaceted in structure, or spread out through a duration of time, is nevertheless being contextually viewed and considered as a “monad,” a single, unified whole. This is important, since configurations other than the UNIPLEX technically imply more than one discrete entity/instance being present or taking place. For nouns, this corresponds to what in Western languages would usually be singular number. For verbs, this can be thought of as a single instance/occurrence/manifestation of an act, event, or state.

Thus, using the word tree for example, while there might be many trees present in terms of number, the MONADIC means they form only one embodiment of whatever particular Configuration category is manifested. Using the MDC configuration as an example, the MONADIC would mean there is only one MDC set of trees, i.e., one forest.

Singulative Equivalent

In natural languages, nouns differ between those that can be counted and pluralized (e.g., one apple, four boys, several nations), and those which cannot be counted or pluralized (e.g., water, sand, plastic, air, laughter). All nouns are countable in New Ithkuil in that all nouns can exist as contextual monads. As a result, MONADIC nouns in New Ithkuil which refer to what are non-count nouns in other languages (or “collective” nouns such as leaves or hair) must be translated into what linguists call the “singulative” mode, referring to the smallest salient single manifestation of the entity in question, e.g., a drop of water, a speck of dust, a single hair, a single leaf, a puff/whiff of air, a single step/stride (of a walk/stroll), etc., whereas the more usual ways in which English and other languages express manifestations of non-count nouns as vague amounts are expressed in New ithkuil by the AGGLOMERATIVE perspective in Sec. 3.3.2 below, e.g., some water, some dust, (one’s) hair, some leaves, the air (here).

avsal
a season
ţrala
a drop of water
elzaţ
different rivers

The Revisor’s Comment

elze- changes to elza- because it does not meet the lexicon definition.

Note that the following examples also apply corrections.

3.3.2 G The Agglomerative

The AGGLOMERATIVE is marked by the affix -r- as the last (or only) affix in Slot VI. It indicates a neutral or fuzzy meaning in terms of number: ‘at least one X / one or more X / any number of X’. It is used when the specific number of an entity is irrelevant or the context of the utterance applies to either one or more than one of an entity. It also is used to create mass nouns from non-count nouns, as stated in the previous paragraph, e.g., some rice / an amount of rice, (some) hair, (some / an amount of) water, the leaves.

For verbs, the AGGLOMERATIVE distinguishes the same fuzzy “non-count” distinction as for nouns: ‘some X-ing occurs/manifests / there’s some X-ing going on’ versus MONADIC ‘a single instance of X occurs/manifests’.

Note

New Ithkuil does not have a Perspective corresponding to the plural ‘two or more’ meaning found in most Western languages. If needed, plural number can be conveyed by Degrees 5 or 6 of the XX2 affix (see the accompanying Affixes document).

avsar
one or more seasons / any number of seasons
ţrara
some water
elzaţra
at least one set of different rivers

3.3.3 N The Nomic

The NOMIC is marked by the affix -w- in final position of Slot VI, unless it is the only affix in Slot VI, in which case the affix is -v-. The NOMIC refers to a generic collective entity or archetype, containing all members or instantiations of a configurative set throughout space and time (or within a specified spatio-temporal context). Since it is all members being spoken of, and no individual members in particular, this category is mutually exclusive from the MONADIC or AGGLOMERATIVE. For nouns, the NOMIC corresponds approximately to the several constructions used for referring to collective nouns in English, as seen in the sentences The dog is a noble beast, Clowns are what children love most, There is nothing like a tree.

With verbs, the NOMIC designates an action, event, or situation which describes a general law of nature or a persistently true condition or situation spoken of in general, without reference to a specific instance or occurrence of the activity (it is, in fact, all possible instances or occurrences that are being referred to). English has no specialized way of expressing such generic statements, generally using the simple present tense. Examples of usage would be The sun doesn’t set on our planet, Mr. Okotele is sickly, In winter it snows a lot, That girl sings well.

avsav
“a season” (as a generic concept)
ţrava
“water” (as a generic concept)
elzaţwa
“different rivers” (as a generic concept)

3.3.4 A The Abstract

The ABSTRACT is marked by the affix -y- in final position of Slot VI, unless it is the only affix in Slot VI, in which case the affix is -j-. Similar to the formation of English abstract nouns using suffixes such as -hood or -ness, the ABSTRACT transforms a configurative category into an abstract concept considered in a non-spatial, timeless, numberless context. While only certain nouns in English can be made into abstracts via suffixes, all Ithkuil nouns in all Configurative categories can be made into abstracts, the translations of which must often be periphrastic in nature, e.g., grove → the idea of being a grove or “grovehood”; book → everything about books, having to do with books, involvement with books.

With verbs, the ABSTRACT is used in verbal constructions to create a temporal abstraction, where the temporal relationship of the action, event, or state to the present is irrelevant or inapplicable, similar to the way in which the English infinitive or gerund form (used as substitutes for a verb phrase) do not convey a specific tense in the following sentences:

  • Singing is not his strong suit;
  • It makes no sense to worry about it;
  • I can’t stand her pouting.

As a result, the ABSTRACT acts as a “timeless” verb form which, much like these English infinitives and gerunds, operates in conjunction with a separate main verb in one of the other three perspectives. The ABSTRACT is often used in conjunction with certain moods of the verb (and Sec. 5.2) as well as the use of various “Modality” affixes (see the accompanying Affixes document) which convey hypothetical or unrealized situations, in which the temporal relationship to the present is arbitrary, inapplicable, or unknowable.

avsaj
everything about a season / “season-hood”
ţraja
everything having to do with water
elzaţya
different rivers as an idea

3.4 Extension

Extension is another morphological category for which there is no exact equivalent in other languages. It applies to all formatives and indicates the manner in which the noun or verb is being considered in terms of spatial or temporal extent or boundaries. Another way to put it is that Extension indicates what “part” of an entity/act/event/state is being addressed or focused on. Extension is shown as part of a formative’s Ca affix in Slot VI which also indicates Configuration, Affiliation, Perspective and Essence. There are six extensions: DELIMITIVE, PROXIMAL, INCEPTIVE, ATTENUATIVE, GRADUATIVE, and DEPLETIVE.

3.4.1 DEL The Delimitive

The DELIMITIVE extension indicates that a noun is being spoken of in its contextual entirety as a discrete entity with clear spatio-temporal boundaries, with no emphasis on any particular portion, edge, boundary, limit, or manifestation beyond the context at hand. It can be considered the neutral or default view, e.g., a tree, a grove, a set of books, an army. To illustrate a contextual example, the English sentence He climbed the ladder would be translated with the word ladder in the DELIMITIVE to show it is being considered as a whole. With verbs, this extension indicates that the act, state, or event is being considered in its entirety, from beginning to end, e.g., She diets every winter (i.e., she starts and finishes each diet).

The DELIMITIVE can be thought of as an expanse of spacetime that has definite beginning and ending points, beyond which the noun or verb does not exist or occur. The figure below illustrates the spatio-temporal relationship of a concept in the DELIMITIVE to the context at-hand (i.e., the spatio-temporal “present”).

The DELIMITIVE is shown by a null affix, i.e., it is the absence of an Extension affix in the Ca affix-complex that indicates DELIMITIVE extension.

elzal
a river
psulça
a situation
uẓfäl
a tunnel
erbräl
an explanation

3.4.2 PRX The Proximal

The PROXIMAL extension indicates that a noun is being spoken of not in its entirety, but rather only in terms of the portion, duration, subset, or aspect which is relevant to the context at hand. It would be used to translate the words tree, journey, and ladder in the sentences That tree is hard there (e.g., in the spot where I hit against it), She lost weight during her journey, or He climbed on the ladder (i.e., it is not relevant to the context to know if he made it all the way to the top).

Note

In these sentences, the PROXIMAL does not refer to a specific or delineated piece, part, or component of the tree or ladder, but rather to the fact that delineated boundaries such as the ends of the ladder or the entirety of the tree are not relevant or applicable to the context at hand.

With verbs, this extension signifies that it is not the entirety of an act, state, or event which is being considered, but rather the spatial extent or durational period of the act, state, or event relevant to the context, e.g., She’s on a diet every winter (i.e., focus on “having to live on” a diet, not the total time spent dieting from start to finish). The figure below illustrates the spatio-temporal relationship of a noun or verbal concept in the PROXIMAL to the context at-hand (i.e., the spatio-temporal “present”).

The PROXIMAL is shown by the affix -t-, placed between the Configuration affix and the Perspective affix in the Ca affix-complex. However, if the Configuration affix is null (i.e., the Configuration of the word is UNIPLEX), then the PROXIMAL affix is -d-.

elzad
a section/stretch of (a) river
psulçta
the midst of a situation
ujrarft
an area/section of a transportation system
erbräd
a portion of an explanation

3.4.3 ICP The Inceptive

The INCEPTIVE extension focuses on the closest boundary, the beginning, initiation, or the immediately accessible portion of a noun or verb, without focusing on the boundaries of the remainder. It would be used in translating the nouns tunnel, song, desert, daybreak and plan in the following sentences: We looked into (the mouth of) the tunnel, He recognizes that song (i.e., from the first few notes), They came upon (an expanse of) desert, Let’s wait for daybreak, I’m working out a plan (i.e., that I just thought of). In verbal contexts it would correspond to the English ‘to begin (to)…’ or ‘to start (to)…’ as in He began reading, It’s starting to molt, She goes on a diet every winter, or He initiated a process of seduction.

The figure below illustrates the spatio-temporal relationship of a noun or verbal concept in the INCEPTIVE to the context at-hand (i.e., the spatio-temporal “present”).

The INCEPTIVE is shown by the affix -k-, placed between the Configuration affix and the Perspective affix in the Ca affix-complex. However, if the Configuration affix is null (i.e., the Configuration of the word is UNIPLEX), then the INCEPTIVE affix is -g-.

elzag
the source of a river
psulçka
the beginning of a situation
ujrarfk
the initial part of a transportation system
erbräg
the start of an explanation

3.4.4 ATV The Attenuative

The ATTENUATIVE extension focuses on the end, termination, last portion, or trailing boundary of a noun, without focusing on the preceding or previously existing state of the noun. It would be used in translating the words water, story, and arrival in the sentences There’s no water (i.e., we ran out), I like the end of that story, and We await your arrival. With verbs, it is illustrated by the sentences It finished molting or She’s come off her diet.

The figure below illustrates the spatio-temporal relationship of a noun or verbal concept in the ATTENUATIVE to the context at-hand (i.e., the spatio-temporal “present”).

The ATTENUATIVE is shown by the affix -p-, placed between the Configuration affix and the Perspective affix in the Ca affix-complex. However, if the Configuration affix is null (i.e., the Configuration of the word is UNIPLEX), then the ATTENUATIVE affix is -b-.

elzab
the end of a river
psulçpa
a situation’s end
ujrarfpa
end of a transportation system
erbräb
the end of an explanation

3.4.5 GRA The Graduative

The GRADUATIVE extension focuses on a diffuse, extended “fade-in” or gradual onset of a noun. It would be used in translating the words darkness, wonder, and music in the following sentences: Darkness came upon us, I felt a growing sense of wonder, The music was very soft at first. With verbs it is illustrated by verbs and phrases such as to fade in, to start gradually, to build up, and similar notions, e.g., She’s been eating more and more lately.

The figure below illustrates the spatio-temporal relationship of a noun in the GRADUATIVE to the context at-hand (i.e., the spatio-temporal “present”).

The GRADUATIVE is shown by the affix -g-, placed between the Configuration affix and the Perspective affix in the Ca affix-complex. However, if the Configuration affix is null (i.e., the Configuration of the word is UNIPLEX), then the GRADUATIVE affix is -gz-.

elzagz
the headwaters of a river
psulçga
an evolving situation
ujrarfga
a developing transportation system
erbrägz
a gradual explanation

3.4.6 DPL The Depletive

The DEPLETIVE extension is the inverse of the GRADUATIVE above, focusing on the terminal boundary or “trailing” edge of a noun, where this terminus is ill-defined, “diffuse” or extended to some degree, (i.e. the at-hand context of the noun “peters out” or terminates gradually). Essentially, it applies to any context involving actual or figurative fading. It would be used in translating the words water, strength, and twilight in the sentences He drank the last of the water, I have little strength left, She disappeared into the twilight. With verbs, it is exemplified by the phrases to wind down, to fade out, to disappear gradually and similar notions, e.g., She’s eating less and less these days.

The figure below illustrates the spatio-temporal relationship of a noun or verbal concept in the DEPLETIVE to the context at-hand (i.e., the spatio-temporal “present”).

The DEPLETIVE is shown by the affix -b-, placed between the Configuration affix and the Perspective affix in the Ca affix-complex. However, if the Configuration affix is null (i.e., the Configuration of the word is UNIPLEX), then the DEPLETIVE affix is -bz-.

elzabz
the mouth of a river
psulçba
last vestiges of a situation
ujrarfba
decline of a transportation system
erbräbz
the unraveling of an explanation

3.5 Essence

Essence refers to a two-fold morphological distinction which has no counterpart in Western languages. It is best explained by reference to various English language illustrations. Compare the following pairs of English sentences:

(1a) The boy ran off to sea.
(1b) The boy who ran off to sea didn’t run off to sea.
(2a) The dog you saw is to be sold tomorrow.
(2b) The dog you saw doesn’t exist.

Sentences (1a) and (2a) appear to be straightforward sentences in terms of meaning and interpretation. However, at first blush, sentences (1b) and (2b) appear nonsensical, and it is not until we consider specialized contexts for these sentences that they make any sense. For example, (1b) would make sense if being spoken by an author reporting a change of mind about the plot for a story, while (2b) makes sense when spoken by a puzzled pet store owner in whose window you earlier saw a dog that is no longer there.

Why sentences such as (1b) and (2b) can have possible real-world meaning is because they in fact do not make reference to an actual boy or dog, but rather to hypothetical representations of a real-world boy and dog, being used as references back to those real-world counterparts from within an “alternative mental space” created psychologically (and implied linguistically) where events can be spoken about that are either unreal, as-yet-unrealized, or alternative versions of what really takes place. This alternative mental space, then, is essentially the psychological realm of both potential and imagination. In Western languages, such an alternative mental space is implied by context or indicated by certain lexical signals. One such group of lexical signals are the so-called “modal” verbs of English, e.g., must, can, should, etc. as seen in the following:

(3) You must come home at once.
(4) That girl can sing better than anybody.
(5) We should attack at dawn.

Each of the above three sentences describe potential events, not actual real-world happenings that are occurring or have occurred. For example, in Sentence (3) no one has yet come home nor do we know whether coming home is even possible, in Sentence (4) the girl may never sing a single note ever again for all we know, and Sentence (5) gives us no information as to whether any attack will actually occur.

3.5.1 NRM The Normal & RPV The Representative

The morphological category of Essence explicitly distinguishes real-world actualities from their alternative, imagined or potential counterparts. The two essences are termed NORMAL and REPRESENTATIVE, the former being the default essence denoting real-world nouns and verbs, the latter denoting alternative counterparts. By marking such counterparts explicitly, a speaker can express any noun or verb as referring to a real-world versus alternative manifestation, without having the listener infer such from an explanatory context.

Essence is as part of the Ca affix-complex which also indicates Configuration, Affiliation and Perspective and Extension. NORMAL essence is unmarked (i.e., it is the absence of any Essence affix that indicates NORMAL essence). REPRESENTATIVE essence is shown by changing the value of the Perspective affix at the end of the Ca affix-complex: change the MONADIC affix from null to -l-, unless all other Ca affixes are null, in which case change the MONADIC affix to the standalone value of -tļ-; change the AGGLOMERATIVE affix from -r- to -ř-; change the NOMIC affix from -w- to -m- unless immediately preceded by a consonant + t, a consonant + p, or a consonant + k, in which case change the NOMIC affix to -h-; change the ABSTRACT affix from -y- to -n-, unless immediately preceded by a consonant + t, a consonant + p, or a consonant + k, in which case change the NOMIC affix to -ç-.

Ẓalá
“see”-NRM
kšili
“clown”-NRM-AFF
ežḑatļëi.
“ghost”-RPV-STM
The clown sees what he thinks is/imagines to be ghost.
Ẓatļá
“see”-RPV
kšili
“clown”-NRM-AFF
wežḑëi.
“ghost”-NRM-STM
The clown imagines he is seeing a ghost.

3.6 The Ca Affix-Complex

As described in Sections 3.1 through 3.5 above, the Ca affix-complex constitutes a single agglutinative mass of consonant affixes conveying five different morphological categories in a single morphological Slot (Slot VI). The initial consonant-form indicates Affiliation, the second indicates Configuration, the third Extension, and the fourth indicates both Perspective and Essence. These four consonant-forms are strung together in sequential fashion to form the Ca complex as a whole. Note that all but one of the four consonant-forms has a default form of zero, meaning that in most cases, the Ca complex will manifest fewer than four consonant-forms. In fact, the most commonly occurring Ca form is CSL/UPX/DEL/M/NRM shown simply by the lone affix -l-.

VI
Term
Ca
Category
Configuration + Extension + Affiliation + Perspective + Essence
Form
if Slot V is filled, Ca is geminated

Due to the agglutinative nature of the Ca affix-complex, it is helpful to illustrate its phonological structure of in table form, as shown below. Note that, due to the large number of consonant combinations that can exist within this affix-complex, it is inevitable that certain consonant combinations will either be difficult to pronounce, give rise to ambiguities with other affix combinations, or even violate the phonotactic rules of the language. For these reasons, there are 19 consonantal Ca combinations that must be replaced by different consonant combinations. These replacement combinations are known as allomorphic substitutions and are listed within the table below. (Note that within the listing of allomorphic substitutions, the symbol [C] means “any consonant”.)

Ca complex — Affiliation + Configuration + Extension + Perspective + Essence
AFFILIATIONCSLASO
∅l (nļ)
COAVAR
r (rļ)ř (ň)
CONFIGURATIONUPXDPX
∅s
(M/D)SS(M/D)SC(M/D)SF
tkp
cksps
(M/D)DS(M/D)DC(M/D)DF
ţfç
ţsfsš
(M/D)FS(M/D)FC(M/D)FF
zžẓ
čkšpš
EXTENSION
DELICPGRA
∅k / g¹g / gz¹
PRXATVDPL
t / d¹p / b¹b / bz¹
PERSPECTIVE + ESSENCENRMRPV
M∅ (l)l (tļ)
Grř
Nw (v)m / h²
Ay (j)n / ç²
Forms in parentheses are standalone forms
Allomorphic Substitutions
pp > mprr > ns(C)gm > [C]x
tt > ntrř > nř[C]gn > [C]ň
kk > nkřr > ňsngn > ňn
pb > mbřř > ňš[C]çx > [C]xw
kg > ng[C]bm > [C]v
çy > nd[C]bn > [C]ḑ
ll > pļfbm > (fv) > vw
ţbn > (tḑ) > ḑy

[¹]: Use the alternate form if the Configuration of the word is UPX

[²]: Use the alternate form when preceded by [C]t-, [C]k-, or [C]p-

3.6.1 Gemination of Ca when CsVx affixes are present in Slot V

If Slot V of a formative contains any affixes, it becomes necessary to show where Slot V ends and Slot VI begins. This is accomplished by gemination of the Ca form as per the rules below. (This is why no Slot V/VII Cs affix increment can be a geminated consonant.)

NOTE: When geminating a Ca consonant-form, first apply all required allomorphic substitutions to the Ca form as per the above table. Then apply the following rules:

  1. For Ca forms consisting of a single consonant, geminate the consonant, e.g., p → pp, t → tt, m → mm, c → cc, ẓ → ẓẓ, r → rr, s → ss.

  2. The standalone form tļ becomes ttļ (although if it is in word-final position, it is actually pronounced tļļ as per the rule for gemination of affricates in Sec. 1.4).

  3. For forms beginning with a stop (t, k, p, d, g, b) followed by a liquid or an approximant (l, r, ř, w, y), geminate the stop, e.g., pl → ppl, gw → ggw.

  4. For forms containing a sibilant fricative or affricate (s, š, z, ž, ç, c, č) in any position, geminate the sibilant fricative or affricate, e.g., kst → ksst, gz → gzz, çkl → ççkl, čtw → ččtw.

  5. For forms beginning with either a non-sibilant fricative (f, ţ, v, ḑ) or a nasal (n, m, ň), geminate it unless previous rule No. 4 pertaining to sibilant fricatives (s, š, z, ž, ç, c, č) applies, e.g., fk → ffk, mpw → mmpw.

  6. For forms beginning with a voiceless stop (t, k, p) followed by a fricative (s, š, f, ţ, ç), geminate the fricative, e.g., pf → pff, tçkl → tççkl, kst → ksst.

  7. For Ca forms ending in two stops, for which the previous six rules are inapplicable, use the following substitutions:

    • pt → bbḑ
    • pk → bbv
    • kt → ggḑ
    • kp → ggv
    • tk → ḑvv
    • tp → ddv

  8. For Ca forms ending in a stop (t, k, p, d, g, b) plus nasal (n, m, ň) for which the previous seven rules are inapplicable, use the following substitutions:

    • pm → vvm
    • pn → vvn
    • km → xxm
    • kn → xxn
    • tm → ḑḑm
    • tn → ḑḑn
    • bm → mmw
    • bn → mml
    • gm → ňňw
    • gn → ňňl
    • dm → nnw
    • dn → nnl

  9. For forms beginning with (l-, r-, ř-) apply one of the above eight rules as if they were not present; if the resulting form including the initial (l-, r-, ř-) is not phonotactically permissible or is euphonically awkward, geminate the (l-, r-, ř-) instead.

Revisor’s Comment

All available Ca forms as well as their geminated forms are subject to evaluation. Kindly exercise patience and await the outcome.

3.7 Version

Version refers to a two-way distinction known in linguistics as “telicity”, i.e., whether or not an entity, act, event, or state is goal- or result-oriented. Version addresses semantic distinctions which are usually rendered by lexical differentiation (i.e., word choice) in languages such as English. The two Versions are PROCESSUAL and COMPLETIVE, as described below.

II
Term
Vv )
Category
Version + Stem
Form
vocalic affix

3.7.1 PRC The Processual

The PROCESSUAL is the default version and is unmarked. It describes all objects, entities, acts, conditions, or events which are ends in themselves and not goal-oriented, i.e., are not focused on an anticipated outcome or final purpose toward which a progressive effort is being made.

3.7.2 CPT The Completive

The COMPLETIVE version describes acts, conditions, or events which achieve, or are intended to achieve, an anticipated outcome, i.e., which are oriented toward the achievement of some purpose, outcome, or final state. Such a distinction is usually handled by word choice in Western languages. The dynamism of Version can be seen in the following comparisons:

PROCESSUAL → COMPLETIVE
  • to hunt（to hunt） → to hunt down（to hunt down）
  • to be losing（to be losing） → to lose（to lose）
  • to study（to study） → to learn（to learn）
  • to be winning（to be winning） → to win（to win）
  • to strive for（to strive for） → to accomplish, achieve（to accomplish, achieve）
  • to risk（to risk） → to defeat the odds; win（to defeat the odds; win）
  • to work（to work） → to build, construct, make（to build, construct, make）
  • to displace; infiltrate（to displace; infiltrate） → infest, to take over; vanquish（infest, to take over; vanquish）
  • to pour out（to pour out） → to drain（to drain）
  • to remove (incrementally)（to remove (incrementally)） → to eliminate（to eliminate）
  • to increase（to increase） → to maximize（to maximize）
  • to read（to read） → to read to the end; finish reading（to read to the end; finish reading）
  • to decrease（to decrease） → to minimize（to minimize）
  • to flank（to flank） → to surround（to surround）
  • to enlarge（to enlarge） → to make gigantic（to make gigantic）
  • to spread upon or over（to spread upon or over） → to cover, engulf, envelop（to cover, engulf, envelop）
  • to shrink（to shrink） → to miniaturize（to miniaturize）
  • to chase（to chase） → to catch up to（to catch up to）
  • to eat（to eat） → to eat all up（to eat all up）
  • to pursue（to pursue） → to capture（to capture）
  • to compete（to compete） → to win（to win）
  • to be pregnant（to be pregnant） → to give birth（to give birth）
  • to throw at（to throw at） → to hit (with a throw)（to hit (with a throw)）
  • to run low on（to run low on） → to run out of, deplete（to run out of, deplete）
  • to grow（to grow） → to grow up（to grow up）
  • to use（to use） → to use up（to use up）
  • to possess, hold（to possess, hold） → to keep（to keep）
  • to tear/ rip（to tear/ rip） → to tear/rip up or to pieces（to tear/rip up or to pieces）
  • to join together（to join together） → to unify（to unify）
  • to accelerate, speed up（to accelerate, speed up） → to achieve maximum speed（to achieve maximum speed）
  • to pour into（to pour into） → to fill (up)（to fill (up)）
  • to bleed（to bleed） → to bleed to death（to bleed to death）
  • to run（to run） → to run all the way（to run all the way）
  • to descend, go down（to descend, go down） → to get to the bottom（to get to the bottom）
  • to brighten（to brighten） → to illuminate（to illuminate）
  • to decelerate, slow down（to decelerate, slow down） → to stop（to stop）
  • to search for, seek（to search for, seek） → to find（to find）
  • to polish（to polish） → to burnish（to burnish）
  • to practice（to practice） → to perfect（to perfect）
  • to darken（to darken） → to make dark（to make dark）
  • to ascend, rise（to ascend, rise） → to reach the top（to reach the top）
  • to explore（to explore） → to discover（to discover）

    • COMPLETIVE version is shown by modifying the Stem vowel-form in Slot II of the Formative. Change the Stem 1 vowel from -a- to -ä-. Change the Stem 2 Vowel from -e- to -i-. Change the Stem 3 vowel from -u- to -ü-. The Stem Zero vowel -o- changes to -ö-.

    The following pair of sentences illustrates the distinction between PROCESSUAL and COMPLETIVE version.

    Arţtulawá
    PRC-“study”-DYN-RTR-OBS
    ulhiliolu
    Stem.3-“cousin”-OBJ-GEN/1m-IND
    wiosaḑca
    Stem.2/N-[carrier]-CLG₁/1-THM
    Iţkuil.
    “Ithkuil”
    「Ithkuil」
    My cousin studied the Ithkuil language.
    Ärţtulawá
    CPT-“study”-DYN-RTR-OBS
    ulhiliolu
    Stem.3-“cousin”-OBJ-GEN/1m-IND
    wiosaḑca
    Stem.2/N-[carrier]-CLG₁/1-THM
    Iţkuil.
    “Ithkuil”
    My cousin learned the Ithkuil language.

    3.8 Function

    Function refers to a two-way distinction as to whether the meaning of a formative refers to a static existential or psychological state, or a dynamic action or event. The distinction between STATIVE vs. DYNAMIC function is both objective and subjective. Certain contextual situations require one or the other, while for other contextual situations, either STATIVE or DYNAMIC Function can be used with each having a different meaning/interpretation.

    Function is marked by the Vr affix in Slot IV of the formative. Note that this Vr affix is a triple-purposed affix; besides Function it also indicates one of four Specifications (see Sec. 2.4.4), as well as one of four Contexts (see Sec. 3.9). The full array of the 32 different Vr affixes is shown in the table in Sec. 3.9.

    IV
    Term
    Vr
    Category
    Function + Specification + Context
    Form
    vocalic affix

    3.8.1 The Stative

    As a general rule, STATIVE function indicates that the formative refers to a static unchanging entity (at least within the duration of the contextual situation being referred to). The following would be marked for STATIVE function:

    • Nouns (i.e., formatives having Vc case-marking in Slot IX) denoting physically tangible objects/entities being referred to only as a means of identifying them (i.e., any motion or change or usage being undergone by the object/entity is irrelevant to the speaker’s intent), e.g., a ball, a tree, a rock, a person, a cloud, etc.

    • Nouns referring to collective, affective, intangible or abstract entities being referred to only as a means of identifying them (i.e., any change, motion or usage associated with the object/entity is irrelevant to the speaker’s intent), e.g., a crowd, a thought, an emotional state, a situation, a monarchical form of government, beauty as a concept, an aesthetic experience, an affective sensation, etc.

    • Nouns referring to tangible actions/movements/motions/changes that the speaker is only referencing as a gestalt-like bounded entity (having an implied duration or spatial boundary) where the fact that the entity involves change/motion/movement/action/growth is irrelevant, e.g., (an instance/state of) laughter, (a pattern of) ocean waves, a conversation, (being out) fishing, (being out for) a walk, (an instance of) reading, (an instance/state of) hammering (going on), a meal [as an event, not a process], etc.

    • Verbs (i.e., unframed formatives marked for Vk Illocution/Expectation/Validation or framed formatives) which naturally refer to a non-dynamic unchanging state (at least within the duration/scope of the speaker’s intended context), including states of identification, denotation, description. Examples:

      • She is a dancer;
      • The sky is/appears orange;
      • The sunset is beautiful;
      • My name is Joe/I am called Joe;
      • The box contains nails;
      • You look terrible;
      • I am reading;
      • Money symbolizes evil;
      • Unhappiness indicates failure;
      • Disease is rampant in that city;
      • Proper nutrition goes hand in hand with healthy children.

    3.8.2 The Dynamic

    As a general rule, DYNAMIC function indicates that the formative refers to an action/movement/motion/change or a state involving change/motion/movement/action in which the change/motion/movement/action is relevant to the speaker’s intended meaning. For contexts in which a grammatical patient is involved (marked by INDUCIVE, AFFECTIVE, or ABSOLUTIVE case), the DYNAMIC function implies a tangible effect/impact/change undergone by the patient as a result. the following would be marked for DYNAMIC Function:

    • Nouns referring to states involving change/motion/movement/action in which the change/motion/movement/action is relevant to the speaker’s intended meaning. Translations of such DYNAMIC-marked nouns into English will often involve a gerund form or a paraphrastic form emphasizing the verbal derivation (in English) of such a noun. Examples: the (raging of the) storm; dancing; problem-solving; a meal [as a process], etc.

    • Verbs involving change/motion/movement/action in which the change/motion/movement/action is relevant to the speaker’s intended meaning, especially those involving an agent/enabler and a patient.

    Note

    In many cases, a particular formative may take either STATIVE or DYNAMIC Function, resulting in subtly different meanings/translations as shown in the following examples. (Note that several of these examples contain the Slots IV and VI morpho-phonological “shortcuts” described in Sec. 3.10).

    STATIVE
    Byalá pa.
    He has/shows/is showing common sense.
    Vvralá mi wurçpi.
    Her passion is dance / She feels passionate about dance.
    Tlasatřá çkava.
    Disease is rampant there.
    Txasá ku.
    They are having a meal.
    Waltlá wele lo.
    I make the child wear a jacket.
    Malá welu wiosaḑcä espanya.
    The child is speaking (in) Spanish.
    Yeg arrlalu.
    The cheetah is running.
    [The implication being merely to highlight the current state of the animal, e.g., to focus on its speed or grace, that running is characteristic of the species, etc.]

    3.9 Context

    Context is another morphological category with no equivalent in other languages. It indicates what tangible or intangible features or aspects of a formative are being psychologically implied in any given utterance. There is no way to show this in translation other than by paraphrase. There are four contexts: the EXISTENTIAL, the FUNCTIONAL, the REPRESENTATIONAL, and the AMALGAMATIVE, explained in Sections 3.9.1 through 3.9.4 below.

    Context is shown by modification of the Slot IV Vowel-form. This is the vowel-form that also indicates Specification (see Sec. 2.4.4) and Function (see Sec. 3.8). The vowel-forms for all three of these morphological categories are shown in the table below.

    Slot IV Vr values
    Function SpecificationContext
    EXSFNCRPS*AMG
    STABSCaaiia / uäao
    CTEäauie / uëaö
    CSVeeiio / üäeo
    OBJieuiö / üëeö
    DYNBSCuuiua / iäoa
    CTEüiuue / iëöa
    CSVooiuo / öäoe
    OBJöouuö / öëöe

    * For the four RPS beginning with -i-, the alternate forms shown are used when immediately preceded by -y-; For the four RPS beginning with -u-, the alternate forms shown are used when immediately preceded by -w-;

    3.9.1 EXS The Existential

    This EXISTENTIAL is the default Context and focuses on those features of a noun or verb which are ontologically objective, i.e., those that exist irrespective of any observers, opinions, interpretations, beliefs or attitudes. Similarly excluded from consideration in the EXISTENTIAL is any notion of a noun’s use, function, role or benefit. The EXISTENTIAL serves only to point out the mere existence of a noun as a tangible, objective entity under discussion. It is thus used to offer mere identification of a noun or verb.

    For example, consider the sentence A cat ran past the doorway. If the words corresponding to cat, run, and doorway are in the EXISTENTIAL, then the sentence merely describes an objective scene. No implication is intended concerning the subjective nature of the two entities or the action involved. The sentence is merely stating that two entities currently have a certain dynamic spatial relationship to each other; those two entities happen to be a cat and a doorway, and the running merely conveys the nature of the spatial relationship.

    Frulawá
    “parallel.translative.motion”-DYN/EXS-RTR-OBS
    warru
    “cat”-STA/EXS-IND
    přeluʼa.
    “doorway”-STA/EXS-NAV
    The cat ran past the doorway.
    [ = neutral description of physical scene only]

    3.9.2 FNC The Functional

    The FUNCTIONAL context focuses on those features of a formative that are defined socially by ideas, attitudes, beliefs, opinions, convention, cultural status, use, function, benefit, etc. It serves to identify not what a noun existentially is, but to show that the noun has specific (and subjective) contextual meaning, relevance or purpose.

    For example, in our previous sentence A cat ran past the doorway, if we now place the cat, doorway, and act of running each into the FUNCTIONAL, the ‘cat’ no longer simply identifies a participant, it makes its being a cat (as opposed to say, a dog) significant, e.g., because the speaker may fear cats, or because the cat could get into the room and ruin the furniture, or because cats are associated with mystery, or because a neighbor has been looking for a lost cat, etc. The ‘doorway’ now conveys its purpose as an entry, reinforcing what the cat may do upon entering. Likewise, the verb ‘ran’ in the FUNCTIONAL now implies the furtive nature of the cat.

    Fruilawá
    “parallel.translative.motion”-DYN/FNC-RTR-OBS
    rrailu
    “cat”-STA/FNC-IND
    přeʼilua.
    “doorway”-STA/FNC-NAV
    The cat ran past the doorway.
    [ = focus on the personal or social meaning/significance of the cat, the running past, and the doorway]

    3.9.3 RPS The Representational

    The REPRESENTATIONAL context focuses on a formative as a symbol, metaphor, or metonym[1], in that it indicates that the formative is serving as a representation or substitute for some other concept or entity which is abstractly associated with it. For example, the metaphorical connotations of the English sentence That pinstripe-suited dog is checking out a kitty, can be equally conveyed in Ithkuil by inflecting the words for ‘dog’ and ‘kitty’ into the REPRESENTATIONAL context. The REPRESENTATIONAL is one of several ways that Ithkuil overtly renders all metaphorical, symbolic, or metonymic usages (from a grammatical standpoint).

    For example, in our previous sentence A cat ran past the doorway, if we now place the cat, doorway, and act of running each into the REPRESENTATIONAL, What is meant is no longer that the cat ran away past the doorway. Perhaps on the surface, this matter did not happen at all, and the speaker just wanted to metaphor something, for example, an ominous omen.

    Frualawá
    “parallel.translative.motion”-DYN/RPS-RTR-OBS
    rrialu
    “cat”-STA/RPS-IND
    přiʼolua.
    “doorway”-STA/RPS-NAV
    The cat ran past the doorway.
    [ = connotes that the cat, the running past, and the doorway are metaphors]

    3.9.4 AMG The Amalgamative

    The AMALGAMATIVE context is the most abstract and difficult to understand from a Western linguistic perspective. It focuses on the systemic, holistic, gestalt-like, componential nature of a formative, implying that its objective and subjective totality is derived synergistically from (or as an emergent property of) the interrelationships between all of its parts, not just in terms of a static momentary appraisal, but in consideration of the entire developmental history of the noun and any interactions and relationships it has (whether past, present or potential) within the larger context of the world. Its use indicates the speaker is inviting the hearer to subjectively consider all the subjective wonder, emotional nuances, psychological ramifications and/or philosophical implications associated with the noun’s existence, purpose, or function, as being a world unto itself, intrinsically interconnected with the wider world beyond it on many levels.

    Thus, the AMALGAMATIVE version of our sentence A cat ran past the doorway would take on quite melodramatic implications, with the cat being representative of everything about cats and all they stand for, the doorway as being representative of the nature of doorways as portals of change, thresholds of departure, and the juncture of past and the future, while the act of running becomes representative of flight from enemies, rapidity of movement, the body at maximum energy expenditure, etc.

    Froalawá
    “parallel.translative.motion”-DYN/AMG-RTR-OBS
    rraolu
    “cat”-STA/AMG-IND
    přaʼölua.
    “doorway”-STA/AMG-NAV
    The cat ran past the doorway.
    [ = connotes a focus on the emotional impact plus cultural significance of the event]

    3.10 Restructuring of Slots I and II as a “Short-Cut” for Slots IV and VI

    In certain circumstances, it is possible to shorten the number of syllables in a formative by eliminating the display of Slot IV and Slot VI and instead showing their morphological information by means of Slots I and II. Formatives containing this Slot IV/VI elision are termed “short-cut” formatives. This is explained below.

    Slot I of a formative carries a consonantal prefix, Cc, that serves two functions: (1) to indicate whether the formative is a concatenated formative (explained in Chapter 8), and (2) to indicate whether certain Vr+Ca forms from Slots IV and VI have been elided (thus being instead indicated by the Slot I Cc affix and Slot II Vv affix).

    The default value of Slot I is a glottal stop (’), which is unwritten in the language’s romanization scheme whenever in word-initial position. (Note that this means that no formative begins with a vowel-sound; any formative written with an initial vowel in the romanized writing system is to be pronounced with a preceding glottal-stop.) This unwritten glottal-stop signifies that (1) the formative is not concatenated (see Chapter 8), and (2) Slot II of the formative displays no Slot IV or VI information and Slots IV and VI of the formative have not been elided.

    On the other hand, if Slot I contains either the value w- or the value y-, then this means that Slots IV and VI of the formative have been elided, and that Slot II, in addition to carrying its usual Stem + Version information for the formative, also conveys STA Function, BSC Specification, and EXS Context (i.e., the equivalent of a Slot IV Vr affix value of -a-), as well as one of eight possible Ca permutations from Slot VI, four of which are indicated by the Slot I value of w-, and four others by a Slot I value of y-. The specific Ca values are indicated in the table below. (Note that all Ca values are default CSL Affiliation, UPX Configuration, DEL Extension, M Perspective, and NRM Essence except as shown.)

    Slot II Vv if Slot I Cc is w- or y- (i.e., the formative contains a Slot IV/VI a+Ca shortcut)

    StemVersionVv
    Stem 1PRC(a)aiia / uäao
    CPTäauie / uëaö
    Stem 2PRCeeiio / üäeo
    CPTieuiö / üëeö
    Stem 3PRCuuiua / iäoa
    CPTüiuue / iëöa
    Stem 0PRCooiuo / öäoe
    CPTöouuö / öëöe
    w-form + Ca[default]GNG + RPV
    y-form + CaPRXRPVAPRX + RPV

    The following examples illustrate the distinction between using a Slot I/II shortcut and not using one:

    Yedpéi mmoi. / Edpadéi mmoi.
    Where’s the thumping sound coming from?
    Weinţdâ. / Enţdarâ.
    I recall at least one motorcyclist going by.

    1. Metonymy is the use of a word or phrase of one type to refer to an associated word or phrase of a different type (usually a person), such as place-for-person in ‘The orders came from the White House,’ object-for-person in ‘Tell the cook the ham-and-cheese wants fries with his order’ or phrase-for-person as in ‘You-know-who just showed up.’ ↩︎

    Yuorb: Yuorb : L’organisation non officielle visant à fournir le service S·T·I (Signification, Traduction, ou Interprétation) pour Nouvel Ithkuil.
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