Barrur grammar
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Full grammar
This public article was written by [Deactivated User], and last updated on 9 Jan 2022, 11:03.
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2. Barrur grammar
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3. BAU sketch
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This article is a work in progress! Check back later in case any changes have occurred.
This article is a work in progress! Check back later in case any changes have occurred.
Barrur was spoken by the Amaanamsha people in the northern regions of the Edine continent. The Amaanamsha was one of the first civilizations to discover agriculture. They were also great sailors and merchants. They established many colonies all around the coasts of the Jit-sea. They gave many words to 
Ancient-Mawic and 
Proto-Kemigha. After the great flood the civilisation fell apart, the people needed to move into the desert. The Barrur language was split into two main branches, and the speakers scattered all over the northern regions of Edine.
Map of the western area of the Jit-sea. Barrur was spoken in the areas marked with purple, Siminna and Emmili.
It has a relatively small phonetic inventory: only 20 consonants.
| Consonants | Bilabial | Labio-dental | Alveolar | Post-Alveolar | Palatal | Velar | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nasal | /m/ m | /n/ n | [ŋ] | |||||||||
| Plosive | /p/ p /pʰ/ ph | /b/ b | /t/ t /tʰ/ th | /d/ d | /k/ k /kʰ/ kh | /g/ g | ||||||
| Fricative | /f/ f | /v/ v | /s/ s | /ʃ/ sh | /x/ h | |||||||
| Affricate | /t͡s/ z | |||||||||||
| Lateral approximant | /l/ l | |||||||||||
| Approximant | /j/ y | |||||||||||
| Trill | /r/ r | |||||||||||
Barrur has only four vowels, which each has a long and a short variant.
| Vowels | Front | Back |
|---|---|---|
| Close | /i/ i | /u/ u |
| Open-mid | /ɛ/ e | |
| Open | /a/ a |
Nasal consonants before labial consonants (/p/, /b/, /f/, /v/) turn into /m/
Nasal consonants before alveolar consonants (/t/, /d/, /s/, /t͡s/) turn into /n/
Nasal consonants before velar consonants (/k/, /g/, /x/) turn into /ŋ/
/n/ turns into /l/ between vowels.
/l/ turns into /d/ in word final position.
Syllable structure is simple (C)V(C).
Stress in Barrur language is very complex. It has several rules to predict stress.
- 1. The syllable before the first double consonants.
- al'umm (face), kar'assh (try), bel'emm (wise)
- 2. After the first aspirated consonant.
- ashth'un (stand), dankh'a (leg)
- 3. The first syllable before h /x/.
- v'ahsha (half)
- 4. The first syllable before consonant cluster if the syllable ends with a nasal consonant.
- at'antamin (simply),
- 5. The first syllable after consonant cluster if not open, word final.
- aarn'ishaat (maker),
- 6. The first syllable with long vowel.
- am'aan (man), s'aata (know), y'aani (kid)
- 7. The second syllable if closed
- nad'ar (hit),
- 8. The first syllable
- t'apa (father), sh'adu (farm)
The braaur language uses it's own script. Just like
Ancient-Mawic script, it is developed from a logography. It was called [ashtaraldu] - ashtaraldu (writing), and originally it was carved into stone or clay teblets. Now it has more than 200 characters. Here's a short introduction how it works:So first, the characters carry both symbolic meaning and phonetic information. The character [ad] means you(pl) or before and also pronounced as /ad/. So these signs can write words that have no dedicated symbol, or can be used as affixes, or inflected forms of words.
Instead of sentences, barrur text is organised into so called [ehup] - "ehups" (sections). Ehups are rough equivalents of a clause or sub-sentence. They end where a comma needs to come. An ehup is marked by a "box" of characters. There are no spaces between words, because usually a sign refers to a whole word.
[ashv-lammarashu-abb,] [un-ey-ank-u]
Ashv-lammarash-u-abb, un-ey-ank-u.
First ehup, second ehup
The king thinks, he is a god.
In romanisation words, that are distinct signs within an ehup, are separated with hyphens.
Some basic symbols:
| Barrur sign | Barrur word | English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| [amaan] | amaan | man |
| [assa] | assa | woman |
| [tapa] | tapa | father |
| [anna] | anna | mother |
| [kethe] | kethe | boy/son |
| [eyla] | eyla | girl/daughter |
| [edan] | edan | sun |
| [elen] | elen | to sit |
| [emma] | emma | water |
| [gele] | gele | fish |
| [ilan] | ilan | flower |
| [mish] | mish | to see |
| [vatish] | vatish | house |
| [ziki] | ziki | stick |
| [un] | un | to be |
| [umm] | umm | I am |
| [alan] | alan | you are |
| [uzu] | uzu | to go |
| [lammarash] | lammarash | king |
Nouns
root - possessor - number affix - obviation marker - case marker
There is only four (or three if we count unmarked accusative and absolutive as one) cases. Barrur uses split ergative alignment. If the subject is animate Nominative-Accusative alignment is used. If the subject is inanimate, Ergative-Absolutive alignment is used.
Nominative case is marked with -u
Ergative case is marked with -iz
Accusative and absolutive are both unmarked.
Nominative-Accusative
ANAnimate (gender/class)
alive, moving.SUBSubject (argument)-INTRIntransitive (valency)
has one argument
[elen-amānu.]
Elen amānu.[ɛlɛn ama:nu]
sit.3SThird person singular (person)
neither speaker nor addressee man-NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument
The man is sitting
ANAnimate (gender/class)
alive, moving.SUBSubject (argument)-ANAnimate (gender/class)
alive, moving.OBJObject (argument)
[thashamenneh-arunnushu-danabb.]
Thashamenneh arunnushu danabb.[tʰasxamɛn:ɛx arun:usxu dan]
call.3SAThird person singular animate (person)
he/she/etc, not it master.PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker-NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument slave-OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient
The master calls the slave.
ANAnimate (gender/class)
alive, moving.SUBSubject (argument)-INInanimate (gender/class)
for non-living things.OBJObject (argument)
[mish-lammarashu-mannubb.]
Mish lammarashu mannubb.[misx lam:arasxu man:ub:]
see.3SAThird person singular animate (person)
he/she/etc, not it king.PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker-NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument tree.OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient
The king sees the tree.
Ergative-Absolutive
INInanimate (gender/class)
for non-living things.SUBSubject (argument)-INTRIntransitive (valency)
has one argument
[lassh-aldank.]
Lassh aldank.[las:x aldaŋk]
fall.3SThird person singular (person)
neither speaker nor addressee brick-PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker.ABSAbsolutive (case)
TRANS object, INTR argument
The brick falls.
INInanimate (gender/class)
for non-living things.SUBSubject (argument)-ANAnimate (gender/class)
alive, moving.OBJObject (argument)
[nadar-aldabbiz-ashtennut.]
Nadar aldabbiz ashtennut.[nadar aldab:it͡s asxtɛn:ut]
hit.3SThird person singular (person)
neither speaker nor addressee brick-OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important-ERGErgative (case)
TRANS subject; agent mason.PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker.ABSAbsolutive (case)
TRANS object, INTR argument
A brick hits the bricklayer.
INInanimate (gender/class)
for non-living things.SUBSubject (argument)-INInanimate (gender/class)
for non-living things.OBJObject (argument)
[nadar-lassha-rinkiz-humubb.]
Nadar lassharinkiz humubb.[nadar las:xariŋkit͡s xumub:]
hit.3SThird person singular (person)
neither speaker nor addressee rain.PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker-ERGErgative (case)
TRANS subject; agent ground-OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important.ABSAbsolutive (case)
TRANS object, INTR argument
The rain hits the ground.
In barrur language grammatical number is a little tricky. Somewhere in the proto-language there was a plural marker -i, which got lost later in the history. The different forms of personal pronouns kept this marking. The basic form of a noun is indefinite. We can clarify this by using numerals, determiners, or adjectives.
[vatish]
vatish
house(s)
[vatishu-re]
vatishu re
two houses
[vatishu-amshu]
vatishu amshu
many houses
We can add an indefinite article -ut, or an definite article -ank/abb, which means we are talking about a single generic object.
[vatish-ut-u]
vatishutu
a house
[vatish-ank-u]
vatishanku
The house (proximate)
[vatish-abb-u]
vatishabbu
The house (obviate)
The collective affix -ammu marks, we are talking about all objects.
[vatish-ammu]
vatishammu
all the houses
Barrur uses inverse numbers too. Usually words for things, that come in pairs, such as bodyparts, have a dual meaning.
[dankha]
Dankha
(Two) leg(s)
If we are talking about on leg, we use the singulative or indefinite article.
[dankhatu]
Dankhatu
A leg
For more than two we use a numeral or an adjective.
[dankhu-amshu]
Dankhu amshu
Many legs
Possessive verbs
Barrur has more possessive verbs, which work like to have, to own or to belong.
Mer
It is used if the direct object is inanimate. For example an tools, wares, ect.
[mer-vatishank.]
Mer vatishank.[mɛr vatisxaŋk]
have.3SAThird person singular animate (person)
he/she/etc, not it.CONTContinuative (tense/aspect)
continuous or durational action.PREPresent house-PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker.3IThird person inanimate (person)
it, not he/she/they.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient
He/she has a/the house.
It is also used as an adposition to create dative constructions.
[gir-khatasank-karstu-mer.]
Gir khatasank karstu mer.[gir kʰatasaŋk karstu mɛr]
give.3SAThird person singular animate (person)
he/she/etc, not it.PREPresent.CONTContinuative (tense/aspect)
continuous or durational action pot-PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker.3IThird person inanimate (person)
it, not he/she/they.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient priest.NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument to
He/she gives the pot to the priest.
Ush
It is used if the direct object is not a (free) human. For example animals, or slaves.
[ush-barthanri.]
Ush barthanri.[usx bartʰanri]
have.3SAThird person singular animate (person)
he/she/etc, not it.CONTContinuative (tense/aspect)
continuous or durational action.PREPresent lamb.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient
He/she has a/the lamb.
It is also used to create dative constructions.
[gir-barthanri-karstu-ush.]
Gir barthanri karstu ush.[gir bartʰanri karstu usx]
give.3SAThird person singular animate (person)
he/she/etc, not it.PREPresent.CONTContinuative (tense/aspect)
continuous or durational action lamb.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient priest.NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument to
He/she gives the lamb to the priest.
Es
It is used if the direct object is a (free) human. For example an relatives, rulers, neighbors, ect.
[es-kethekathar.]
Es kethekathar.[ɛs kɛtʰɛkatʰar]
have.3SAThird person singular animate (person)
he/she/etc, not it.CONTContinuative (tense/aspect)
continuous or durational action.PREPresent brother.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient
He/she has a/the brother.
Es can not be used as a dative adposition, because free people are not subjects to giving, getting, selling or buying.
Possessive affixes
Instead of possessive pronouns, like my, your, his/her/its Barrur uses affixes.
| Number/Person | 1First person (person) speaker, signer, etc; I | 2Second person (person) addressee (you) | 3AThird person animate (person) he/she/they, not it | 3IThird person inanimate (person) it, not he/she/they.PROXProximal (proximity) close to speaker | 3IThird person inanimate (person) it, not he/she/they.OBVObviative (person, proximity) not near/visible/important |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGSingular (number) one countable entity |
-meph | -meran | -messh | -messhank | -messhabb |
| PLPlural (number) more than one/few |
-meff | -merad | -mess |
[vatishameph]
vatishameph[vatisxamɛpʰ]
house.ABSAbsolutive (case)
TRANS object, INTR argument-1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.POSSPossessive (case)
owns, has
My house.
Obviation is a distinction between different third persons.
The first, or most prominent third person is proximate if the subject is first, or second person. The others are obviate. The third person is obviate too if the subject is another third person.
Animate proximal third person has no special marking.
Inanimate proximal third person is marked with -nk.
Inanimate or animate obviate third person is marked with -bb.
These suffixes come from the words for this (ank) and that (abb). They always come to the end of the noun, but before the case marker affix.
[mish-ap-kethe-meph]
Mishap kethemeph.[misxap kɛtʰɛmɛpʰ]
see-1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.CONTContinuative (tense/aspect)
continuous or durational action.PREPresent boy.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient-1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.POSSPossessive (case)
owns, has.PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker
I see my son (prx).
[mish-kethe-meph-abb]
Mish kethemephabb.[misx kɛtʰɛmɛpʰab:]
see.3SThird person singular (person)
neither speaker nor addressee.CONTContinuative (tense/aspect)
continuous or durational action.PREPresent boy.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient-1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.POSSPossessive (case)
owns, has-OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important
He sees my son (obv).
[mish-ap-vatish-a-meph-ank]
Mishap vatishamephank.[misxap vatisxamɛpʰaŋk]
see-1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.CONTContinuative (tense/aspect)
continuous or durational action.PREPresent house.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient-1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.POSSPossessive (case)
owns, has-PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker
I see my house (prx).
[mish-vatish-a-meph-abb]
Mish vatishamephabb.[misx vatisxamɛpʰab:]
see.3SThird person singular (person)
neither speaker nor addressee.CONTContinuative (tense/aspect)
continuous or durational action.PREPresent house.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient-1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.POSSPossessive (case)
owns, has-OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important
He sees my house (obv).
Barrur language uses head-marking in many situations.
Location
[shut-tapu-vatishabb]
Shut tapu vatishabb.
be_in.3SAThird person singular animate (person)
he/she/etc, not it father.NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument house-OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important
Father is in the house.
Posession/genitive
[ala-nk-tapabb-vatishmesshank]
Alank tapabb vatishmesshank.
3IThird person inanimate (person)
it, not he/she/they.PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker.COPCopula
used to link the subject of a sentence with a predicate father-OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important.ABSAbsolutive (case)
TRANS object, INTR argument house-3SAThird person singular animate (person)
he/she/etc, not it.POSSPossessive (case)
owns, has-PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker.ABSAbsolutive (case)
TRANS object, INTR argument
This is father's house.
Comitative
[zian-pa]
Zian pa.
be_with-2SSecond person singular (person)
addressee (you) 1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument
I am with you.
[uzup-zian]
Uzup zian.
go-1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I with-2SSecond person singular (person)
addressee (you)
I go (to be) with you.
Instrumental
[nadarap-ank-eleremesshabb-zannashabb]
Nadarap ank eleremesshabb zannashabb.
hit-1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I this.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient use-GERGerund
verbal noun-3IThird person inanimate (person)
it, not he/she/they.POSSPossessive (case)
owns, has-OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important spear.OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important
I hit it with a spear.
(Lit.: I hit it the spear's using.)
Ablative
[tashank-linankiz-shatabb]
Tashank linankiz shatabb
be_from.3IThird person inanimate (person)
it, not he/she/they.PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker chickpea-PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker-ERGErgative (case)
TRANS subject; agent village-OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important.ABSAbsolutive (case)
TRANS object, INTR argument
The chickpea (is) from the village.
To use the language properly, first we must understand how to use the verb "to be". In barrur verbs mark the subject. Here is how it works for the most frequently used irregular verb, un "to be".
| un/"to be" | 1First person (person) speaker, signer, etc; I | 2Second person (person) addressee (you) | 3AThird person animate (person) he/she/they, not it.PROXProximal (proximity) close to speaker | 3IThird person inanimate (person) it, not he/she/they.PROXProximal (proximity) close to speaker | 3Third person (person) neither speaker nor addressee.OBVObviative (person, proximity) not near/visible/important |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGSingular (number) one countable entity |
umm | alan | un | alank | alabb |
| PLPlural (number) more than one/few |
alad | uz |
Verbs are also marked for tense/aspect. (But they can not mark both subject and tense. You will see later how it is done.) Every verb has a basic (unmarked, present), future, and a so called "past/perfective" form. It is so called, because it is not used in only past and perfective aspects. (later you'll see why.) For most words it is just about suffixing. "Past/pfv" is marked with -a future is marked with -e. But because un is highly irregular, it is different. Here's how it looks for un "to be":
| form | to be |
|---|---|
| "past pfv" | ala |
| Present | un |
| Future | ele |
To form phrases such as "I am", "I was", "you will be", ect we must combine two forms of un.
The present contionus form for 1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I is simply Umm. Present habitual is Umm un, Present perfective is Umm ala. Past and future forms are simplier. Every past tense form of "I am" is Umm ala. Every future tense form of "I am" is Umm ele.
| 1SFirst person singular (person) speaker, signer, etc.; I | PASPast action occurred before moment of speech | PREPresent | FUTFuture (tense) action occurring after the moment of speech |
|---|---|---|---|
| CONTContinuative (tense/aspect) continuous or durational action |
umm ala | umm | umm ele |
| HABHabitual (aspect) done often or out of habit |
umm ala | umm un | umm ele |
| PFVPerfective (aspect) completed action |
umm ala | umm ala | umm ele |
If the subject is not 1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I you need to replace umm with another form of un.
To inflect other verbs to subject, aspect and tense, we need to use the inflected forms of "to be", the subject, and the "tense" suffixes.
| subject suffixes | 1First person (person) speaker, signer, etc; I | 2Second person (person) addressee (you) | 3AThird person animate (person) he/she/they, not it.PROXProximal (proximity) close to speaker | 3IThird person inanimate (person) it, not he/she/they.PROXProximal (proximity) close to speaker | 3Third person (person) neither speaker nor addressee.OBVObviative (person, proximity) not near/visible/important |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGSingular (number) one countable entity |
-p | -an | - | -nk | -bb |
| PLPlural (number) more than one/few |
-f | -ad | -sh |
| "tense" suffixes | |
|---|---|
| "PASTPast tense (tense) action occurred before moment of speech / PFVPerfective (aspect) completed action" |
-a |
| "PREPresent" | - |
| "FUTFuture (tense) action occurring after the moment of speech" |
-e |
| barr - to speak | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Person | Aspect | PASPast action occurred before moment of speech | PREPresent | FUTFuture (tense) action occurring after the moment of speech |
| 1SFirst person singular (person) speaker, signer, etc.; I | CONTContinuative (tense/aspect) continuous or durational action |
barrap ala | barrap | barrap ele |
| HABHabitual (aspect) done often or out of habit |
umm barra | umm barr | umm barre | |
| PFVPerfective (aspect) completed action |
umm barra ala | umm barra | umm barra ele | |
| 2SSecond person singular (person) addressee (you) | CONTContinuative (tense/aspect) continuous or durational action |
barran ala | barran | barran ele |
| HABHabitual (aspect) done often or out of habit |
alan barra | alan barr | alan barre | |
| PFVPerfective (aspect) completed action |
alan barra ala | alan barra | alan barra ele | |
| 3SAThird person singular animate (person) he/she/etc, not it.PROXProximal (proximity) close to speaker | CONTContinuative (tense/aspect) continuous or durational action |
barr ala | barr | barr ele |
| HABHabitual (aspect) done often or out of habit |
un barra | un barr | un barre | |
| PFVPerfective (aspect) completed action |
un barra ala | un barra | un barra ele | |
| 3IThird person inanimate (person) it, not he/she/they.PROXProximal (proximity) close to speaker | CONTContinuative (tense/aspect) continuous or durational action |
barr ala | barr | barr ele |
| HABHabitual (aspect) done often or out of habit |
alank barra | alank barr | alank barre | |
| PFVPerfective (aspect) completed action |
alank barra ala | alank barra | alank barra ele | |
| 3IThird person inanimate (person) it, not he/she/they.OBVObviative (person, proximity) not near/visible/important | CONTContinuative (tense/aspect) continuous or durational action |
barr ala | barr | barr ele |
| HABHabitual (aspect) done often or out of habit |
alabb barra | alabb barr | alabb barre | |
| PFVPerfective (aspect) completed action |
alabb barra ala | alabb barra | alabb barra ele | |
| 1PFirst person plural (person) we (inclusive or exclusive) | CONTContinuative (tense/aspect) continuous or durational action |
barraf ala | barraf | barraf ele |
| HABHabitual (aspect) done often or out of habit |
umm barra | umm barr | umm barre | |
| PFVPerfective (aspect) completed action |
umm barra ala | umm barra | umm barra ele | |
| 2PSecond person plural (person) addressee (plural) | CONTContinuative (tense/aspect) continuous or durational action |
barrad ala | barrad | barrad ele |
| HABHabitual (aspect) done often or out of habit |
alad barra | alad barr | alad barre | |
| PFVPerfective (aspect) completed action |
alad barra ala | alad barra | alad barra ele | |
| 3PAThird person plural animate (person) they | CONTContinuative (tense/aspect) continuous or durational action |
barrash ala | barrash | barrash ele |
| HABHabitual (aspect) done often or out of habit |
uz barra | uz barr | uz barre | |
| PFVPerfective (aspect) completed action |
uz barra ala | uz barra | uz barra ele | |
In barrur adpositions come after the noun they modify. They are also agree with the modified noun.
[uz-ena-ala-aldank-rammubb-ababb.]
Uz ena ala aldank rammubb ababb.[ut͡s ɛla ala aldaŋk ram:ub: abab:]
3PAThird person plural animate (person)
they.COPCopula
used to link the subject of a sentence with a predicate use-PFVPerfective (aspect)
completed action PASPast
action occurred before moment of speech.AUXAuxilliary brick-3IThird person inanimate (person)
it, not he/she/they.PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient stone-3IThird person inanimate (person)
it, not he/she/they.OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important instead-3IThird person inanimate (person)
it, not he/she/they.OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important
They used brick instead of stone.
[mennehap-ele-an-adan.]
Mennehap ele (an*) dun**.[mɛn:ɛxap ɛlɛ an dun]
come-1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.CONTContinuative (tense/aspect)
continuous or durational action FUTFuture (tense)
action occurring after the moment of speech.AUXAuxilliary 2SSecond person singular (person)
addressee (you) after.2SSecond person singular (person)
addressee (you)
I will be coming after you
*If a personal pronoun is marked on the adposition, it is not necessary for it to appear in itself.
** dun is an irregular form of ud inflected to 2SSecond person singular (person)
addressee (you)
Some adpositions also work as verbs. For example shut:
[lammarashu-tannank-shatank.]
Lammarashu-tannank-shatank[lam:arasxu tan:aŋk sxataŋk]
king-NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument city-PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker.3IThird person inanimate (person)
it, not he/she/they in.3IThird person inanimate (person)
it, not he/she/they.PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker
The king in the city.
[shut-lammarashu-tannank.]
Shut lammarashu tannank.[sxut lam:arasxu tan:aŋk]
be_in.3SAThird person singular animate (person)
he/she/etc, not it king-NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument city-PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker.3IThird person inanimate (person)
it, not he/she/they.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient
The king is in the city.
"Wh"-questions
The "wh-words" - just like adverbs - come after the main verb.
What is that?
[alabb-khar]
Alabb khar?[alab: kʰar]
3IThird person inanimate (person)
it, not he/she/they.OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important.be what
Negation
For negation barrur uses the adverb nish, which means not. It is placed after the main verb of the sentence.
I see you
[mishap-an.]
Mishap an.[misxap an]
see-1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I 2SSecond person singular (person)
addressee (you).ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient
I see you
[mishap-nish-an.]
Mishap nish an.[misxap nisx an]
see-1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I NEGNegative (polarity)
not 2SSecond person singular (person)
addressee (you).ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient
Imperative
The main verb goes to the end of the sentence.
Come here!
[arkharuzur-mennehan]
Arkharuzur mennehan![arkʰarut͡sur mɛn:ɛxan]
hither come-2SSecond person singular (person)
addressee (you)
Positional Phrases
Subordinate phrases
Instead of stacking verbs, barrur prefers to use verbal nouns.
I doubt that he writes a letter.
[shatap-ifizimesshank,] [khas-ashtar-azabbut.]
Shatap ifizimesshank, (khas*) ashtar azabbut.[sxatap ifit͡simɛs:xaŋk kʰas asxtar at͡sab:ut]
1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.be_in doubt-3IThird person inanimate (person)
it, not he/she/they.POSSPossessive (case)
owns, has-PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient | how write.3SThird person singular (person)
neither speaker nor addressee letter.OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important-IDFUnknown code.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient
(Lit. "I'm in the doubt of that, (how*) he writes a letter")
*khas (how) is used mostly in formal speech to avoid misunderstanding. It can be omitted in these kind of sentences.
I hope that he will write a letter.
[shatap-bahamesshank,] [khas-un-ashtara-ele-azabbut]
Shatap bahamesshank, khas un ashtara ele azabbut.[sxatap baxamɛs:xaŋk kʰas un asxtara ɛlɛ at͡sab:ut]
1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.be_in hope-3IThird person inanimate (person)
it, not he/she/they.POSSPossessive (case)
owns, has-PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker| how 3SAThird person singular animate (person)
he/she/etc, not it.be write.3SThird person singular (person)
neither speaker nor addressee-PFVPerfective (aspect)
completed action FUTFuture (tense)
action occurring after the moment of speech letter.OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important-IDFUnknown code.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient
(Lit. "I'm in the hope of that, how he writes a letter")
I need to write a letter.
[shatap-ideyamesshank,] [khas-ashtarap-azankut]
Shatap ideyamesshank, khas ashtarap azankut.[sxatap idɛjamɛs:xaŋk kʰas asxtarap at͡saŋkut]
1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.be_in need-3SThird person singular (person)
neither speaker nor addressee.POSSPossessive (case)
owns, has-PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient | how write-1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I letter.PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker-IDFUnknown code.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient
(Lit. "I'm in the need of that, how I write a letter")
Relative phrases
I am the man who buys an apple
[umm-amaanu,] [amadshazushnut]
Umm amaanu, amadshazushnut[um: amaalu amadsxat͡susxnut]
1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.be man-NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument apple-buy-AGNAgentive (case)
active or volitional case.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient
(Lit. "I am the apple-buying man")
I see the man, whom she sees as well
[mishap-kevi-amaan,] [misharemesshabb]
Mishap-kevi-amaan, misharemesshabb.[misxap kɛvi amaan misxarɛmɛs:xab:]
1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.see too man.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient.PROXProximal (proximity)
close to speaker | see-GERGerund
verbal noun-3Third person (person)
neither speaker nor addressee.POSSPossessive (case)
owns, has-OBVObviative (person, proximity)
not near/visible/important.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient
(Lit. "I too see the man of her seeing")
Conditional phrases and subjunctive
Conditional sentences are created by adding the word ha (if), but it goes to the end of the clause. Ha also marks subjunctive mood, so it goes to the end of both clauses.
If she were here, I would tell her.
[shut-ala-arkhararmu-ha,] [barrap-ele-an-ha]
Shut ala arkhararmu ha, barrap ele an ha.[sxut ala xa bar:ap ɛlɛ an xa]
be_in.3SAThird person singular animate (person)
he/she/etc, not it.CONTContinuative (tense/aspect)
continuous or durational action PASTPast tense (tense)
action occurred before moment of speech.AUXAuxilliary here.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient if | speak-1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.CONTContinuative (tense/aspect)
continuous or durational action FUTFuture (tense)
action occurring after the moment of speech.AUXAuxilliary 3SAThird person singular animate (person)
he/she/etc, not it.ACCAccusative (case)
TRANS direct object; patient if
(Lit.: If she were here, I will tell her.)
-aldu - product affix
Used to create noun from a verb. Result of doing the verb.
karassh (try) + -aldu = karasshaldu (trial)
belen (flow) + -aldu = belenaldu (time)
-aru - -ing
Verb to noun. The act of doing the verb.
mevett (hunt) + -aru = mevettaru (hunt [noun])
-ammu - collective affix
Creates a collective group of the root word.
saata (know) + -ammu = saatammu (knowledge)
amaan (man) + -ammu = ammanammu (mankind)
-en - verbaliser
Creates verb from a noun, by using the noun.
latta (mouth) + -en = latten (talk)
emma (water) + -en = emmen (irrigate/water plants)
-sha - verbaliser
To make something more or less ADJ-er
darem (strong) + -sha = dareza (strengthen/train)
shalak (flat) + -sha = shalaksha (flatten)
In Barrur there are two main types of adjectives; One is the verb-like, which behaves as a verb, the other is the noun-like. For example bikhi, which means happy, is a verb-like adjective. It is used similarly to verbs.
I am happy.
[bikhip]
Bikhip.[bikʰip]
happy-1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.PREPresent.CONTContinuative (tense/aspect)
continuous or durational action
The girl is happy.
[bikhi-eylu]
Bikhi eylu.[bikʰi ɛjlu]
happy girl-NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument
The word order might change the meaning of the sentence.
The happy girl.
[eylu-bikhi]
Eylu bikhi.[ɛjlu bikʰi]
girl-NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument happy
But darem, strong is noun-like. Noun-like adjectives agree with the noun in number and case, and they need a copula to express a statement.
I am strong.
[umm-darem-u]
Umm daremu.[um: darɛmu]
1SFirst person singular (person)
speaker, signer, etc.; I.be.CONTContinuative (tense/aspect)
continuous or durational action strong-NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument
The man is strong.
[un-amaan-u-darem-u]
Un amaananku daremanku.[un amaalaŋku darɛmaŋku]
3SThird person singular (person)
neither speaker nor addressee.be.CONTContinuative (tense/aspect)
continuous or durational action man-NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument strong-NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument
The strong man.
[amaan-u-darem-u]
Amaananku daremanku.[amaalaŋku darɛmaŋku]
man-NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument strong-NOMNominative (case)
TRANS subject, INTR argument
If we want to talk about the material of a thing, we use the -ze (of) affix on the head (the noun).
[ashteze-rammu.]
Ashteze rammu.[asxtɛt͡sɛ ram:u]
wall.ABSAbsolutive (case)
TRANS object, INTR argument.of stone.ABSAbsolutive (case)
TRANS object, INTR argument
Wall (of) stone.
Cardinal numerals
Barrur uses seximal number system. The numbers from one to six are:
1 - [ut] - ut
2 - [re] - re
3 - [am] - am
4 - [shu] - shu
5 - [massha] - massha
6 - [ash] - ash
From six the format is the next:
ash e "n"
where "ash" is six, "e" is and "n" is the number.
7 - [ash-e-ut] - ash-e-ut
8 - [ash-e-re] - ash-e-re
9 - [ash-e-am] - ash-e-am
10 - [ash-e-shu] - ash-e-shu
11 - [ash-e-massha] - ash-e-massha
12 - [khu] - khu
13 - [khu-e-ut] - khu-e-ut
14 - [khu-e-re] - khu-e-re
15 - [khu-e-am] - khu-e-am
16 - [khu-e-shu] - khu-e-shu
17 - [khu-e-massha] - khu-e-massha
18 - [zan] - zan
24 - [id] - id
30 - [az] - az
36 - [kut] - kut
And so on...
Ordinal numerals
Ordinal numerals are created by adding the suffix -ita (which also means to born) to the numeral.
First - [itita] - itita
Second - [reita] - reita
Third - [amita] - amita
Fourth - [shiita] - shiita
Fifth - [masshaita] - masshaita
Sixth - [ashita] - ashita
And so on...
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