Difference between revisions of "Kickapoo/Grammar"

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== Hi ==
 
== Hi ==
  
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== Animate Nouns ==
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== Nouns ==
 
{{comment|this counts as two grammar points: one main point, and a number of nuances that together count again}}
 
{{comment|this counts as two grammar points: one main point, and a number of nuances that together count again}}
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=== Animate Nouns ===
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Animate nouns end in -a which is the marker for ‘ANIMATE.’
 
Animate nouns end in -a which is the marker for ‘ANIMATE.’
  
 
In order for a noun to be considered animate, it must be organic, i.e., it must have to be perceived as a living entity. Also, sacred ceremonial objects, including musical instruments, that don’t usually meet the normal animacy requirements can be considered animate (Whittaker, 2006:2). For the most part, nouns are considered animate if they can move on their own.
 
In order for a noun to be considered animate, it must be organic, i.e., it must have to be perceived as a living entity. Also, sacred ceremonial objects, including musical instruments, that don’t usually meet the normal animacy requirements can be considered animate (Whittaker, 2006:2). For the most part, nouns are considered animate if they can move on their own.
  
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=== Regular plurals ===
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=== Inanimate Nouns ===
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Regular plurals are formed with the addition of «s» or «es».
 
Regular plurals are formed with the addition of «s» or «es».
 
* Nouns ending in «s», «ch», «x», or «z» take the suffix «es»:
 
* Nouns ending in «s», «ch», «x», or «z» take the suffix «es»:

Revision as of 15:05, 19 February 2026

Hi

Nouns

this counts as two grammar points: one main point, and a number of nuances that together count again


Animate Nouns

Animate nouns end in -a which is the marker for ‘ANIMATE.’

In order for a noun to be considered animate, it must be organic, i.e., it must have to be perceived as a living entity. Also, sacred ceremonial objects, including musical instruments, that don’t usually meet the normal animacy requirements can be considered animate (Whittaker, 2006:2). For the most part, nouns are considered animate if they can move on their own.


Inanimate Nouns

Regular plurals are formed with the addition of «s» or «es».

  • Nouns ending in «s», «ch», «x», or «z» take the suffix «es»:
    • box<n><pl> ↔ boxes
    • match<n><pl> ↔ matches
    • kiss<n><pl> ↔ kisses
  • Otherwise the suffix is «s»:
    • snake<n><pl> ↔ snakes
    • window<n><pl> ↔ windows
    • boy<n><pl> ↔ boys
  • Nouns that end in «o» are unpredictable: some take «s» and some take «es»:
    • potato<n><pl> ↔ potatoes
    • piano<n><pl> ↔ pianos