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In the next 2 lessons there is an explanation of the constructions [di̲], [mïth], and [wïnïth], meaning "how", "which?" and "where?"
Someone comes and tells you of a conversation he has just had with a 3rd person who perhaps is at your door, and you go to find out for yourself because it isn't clear, or he hasn't explained enough to suit you. So you begin by saying:
You: | Ï̲ di̲?
What is it you were saying? |
3rd Person: | Ki̲i̲m! Ɣä̲n ta̲a̲ kɛ riɛk. Cä̲ gatdä̲ nöŋ duɛ̲l wal mïn wa̲a̲r ru̲n kä̲ cɛ maath, kä̲ tä̲ä̲mɛ ci̲ duŋdɛ wä̲ di̲t puɔ̲nydɛ.
Doctor! I have trouble. I brought my child to the clinc this morning and he drank, but now his (condition) went big (has increased) in his body. |
You: | Kä̲ gatdu̲ ɛ gat ïmïth? Ci̲ gaat ti̲ nyïn ŋuan bɛ̲n walɛ.
But your child is which child? Many children came today. |
Cɔalɛ ï̲ di̲, ɛn gat?
How is he called, the child? |
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Person: | Cɔalɛ i̲ di̲, ɛn gat?
He is called Deŋ. Deŋ Köör. |
You: | Kä̲ du̲ŋdɛɛŋu̲? Du̲ŋdɛ kiɛ̩l kiɤ ɤ ŋu̲?
And what is his (condition)? Is his (condition) a cough or what? |
Person: | Ɣɔ̲ɔ̲n, du̲ŋdɛ kiɛ̩l.
Yes, his (situation) is a cough. |
You: | Kä̲ jɛn a ni̲ tä̲ä̲mɛ, ɛn gat puɔ̲nydɛ?
And where is he now, the child himself? |
Person: | Jɛn a wanɔ.
He is here. |
You: | Wïnïth?
Where? |
Person: | Jɛn a thaar jiaath ɛmɔ.
He is under that tree. |
You: | Ɣɔ̲ɔ̲n, kä̲ wër, no̲o̲ni̲ jɛ wanɛmɛ.
Yes, and go, bring him here. |
Person: | Bä̲ jɛ wä̲ nööŋ.
will go bring him. |
PHONETICS
dh-
SYNTAX
Nuer Field Project | Nouns | Verbs | Verb Book | Expressions | Grammar | Genesis | Others |