grammar

` or [L]: low tone over the verb, excluding certain suffixes   conj. 1 • conj. Grammatical tone morpheme indicating 'while, during' (an action), as'. This tone pattern creates a dependent verb form which cannot stand as the only verb of a sentence. [Whether the entire word has Low tone depends on what [historical or synchronic] suffixes the verb carries. When a completely Low-tone word occurs in isolation or slow-speech, it is often pronounced with a High-Falling pattern, which is sometimes written instead of Low. In this entry, we mark the Low tone subordinating conjunction by [L] before the relevant verb. ]. Kórè [L]ɛgɨrá alotoó, nɛ́dɔ̀l ɔlásʉ́ráí. While he was walking, he saw a snake. (W). Étáráwá yieyíô [L]ɛ̀ɨ̀dɛ̀là. He has chased our mother while she was still nursing. Áyíéú sháì [L]adáà. I want tea while I am eating. (W). Kórè [L]adáà áyíéú enkijíkò. While I am eating, I need a spoon. (W). Kórè [L]adáà nélotu. When I am eating, he/she will come. (W). [L]Aɨnɔsɨ́tà nanʉ̂ ɛɨ́látá nɛ́shà. While I was eating fat, it rained. (W). Nɛ́shà [L]aɨnɔsɨ́tà nanʉ̂ ɛɨ́látá. It rained while I was eating fat. (W). [L]Ɛ̀kwɛ̀tɨ̀tà eterriéè He fell down while running. (SN) (Contrast: Kɛ́kwetɨ́tà. He is running.). Órè apá peê [L]kɨlaŋʉ́ ɛnaɨpɔ́shà... when we crossed the sea... Ɛgɨ́rà ɨnkɛrâ kʉ́tɨtɨ́ áàìrrùgò ɛgɨrá áàɨ̀gʉ̀ràn. The small children are bending down as they play. (Pk).

2 • conj. After (in time). Ɛtarapóshè [L]ɛtamá ɛndáà. He was satisfied after eating food.

3 • mood. Subjunctive mood following certain subordinators like peê, peyîê, órè peê, ɛɨtʉ́, or in other irrealis contexts. The Low tone also follows the bound negative m-, evident on Class I verbs. (However, it is overriden on Class II negative verbs by a High verb-stem tone.). Órè taá amʉ̂ áyíéú nápók ɛnkɛ́ráí, níyíólò siî íyie [L]ɛɨŋatɨ́shɔ̀ ɨnkɛ́râ, tɛlɛjʉ́. Okay now that I want to whip the child, and you know very well that children will flee, deceive him/her to come. (W) (Contrast: Ɛɨnátɨ́shɔ. He will flee.). Kórè peê [L]ɛ̀ɨ̀tàshè, ɛɨtʉ́ [L]ɛ̀dɔ̀l ɔlásʉ́ráí. When he stopped, he didn't see the snake. (W). Ɛɨnyáŋua sháàì ɛ Kɛnya ɛ́tɔ̂n ɛ́ɨ́tʉ̂ [L]elotú. He bought Kenyan tea before he came. [L]Mayíólò. I do not know. [L]Matúm shááì ɛ̀ Kɛ́nyà tené nɛ́akʉ mashɨ́pà. I don't find Kenyan tea here (e.g. in Europe), so I am sad. Ɛɨtʉ́ [L]aníŋ ajó kélotú kɛnyá entókî naíjo ɨ́nâ I did not hear that there is something like that coming. Ɨ́roríékì ɛnkʉ́tʉ́k ɔɔ ́lMáásâɨ̂ peê ayíólou. Speak to me in the Maasai language so that I learn.

^ or [F]; Falling tone on last syllable of verb   num. Grammatical tone morpheme indicating 1st or 3rd plural subject, in certain morpheme combinations only including Perfect(ive). Occurs on end of word. [Falling tone is normally evident only if the word occurs at the end of a phrase, as Falling tone simplifies to High when another word follows within the phrase.]. Nɛ́ɨ́sardâk téínè. And they disperse there. Áatɨmɨrâ. They (have) chased me. (W). Kɨ́tɨ́mɨ́râ. They (have) chased you (sg.) (W). Ɛtɨ́mɨ́râ nɨnyɛ́. They (have) chased him. (W). LING: The following does not involve a Perfect(ive) context: Néponunûî áàrànyɨ̀shɔ̀ tɛ́nâ dúóó ájì, nɛ́shɨpâɨ̂. 'And people come to sing in the relevant house, and people rejoice.'.

a   Letter representing the Maa low back unrounded vowel phoneme /a/. LING: The phoneme /a/ is neutral with regard to Tongue Root Harmony and may occur in words with vowels that are either Advanced Tongue Root (+ATR): enkolópà 'poisonous centepede'; or Non-Advanced (Retracted) Tongue Root (-ATR): ɔpá 'long ago'. /a/ blocks leftward spreading of the +ATR feature from +ATR vowels to its right, and remains /a/: ɛnyámù 'cattle theft'. However, when vowels to its left are +ATR, /a/ in suffixes (cf. a-sʉj-akɨ́ [INF.SG-follow-DAT] 'to follow s.o.') is replaced by +ATR /o/: a-bik-okí [INF.SG-wait-DAT] 'to wait for s.o.' This argues that it patterns as a back vowel. In some words, /a/ in suffixes is replaced by -ATR /ɔ/ when the preceding vowel is /ɔ/; a-ɨrɔr-ɔkɨ́ [INF.SG-say-DAT] 'to greet s.o.' Also see note at -án Nominalizer for stative verbs.

a- (+ replacive LH tone)   inf. Singular infinitive prefix, indicative mood. Indicates that the subject of a string of verbs is singular. Káɨ́tókì alotú. I'm coming back. (lit: I will repeat to move back to the point of reference.) (S). Ɨ́gɨ́rà aló adúŋ inkírí apéj. You are going to cut meats to roast. LING: The singular infinitive generally imposes a LH tone pattern over the entire verb, regardless of any other affixes on the verb. It links to the right-most edge of the verb and spreads left, resulting in a L(L)H pattern. However, there are some infinitive verbs which do not have H just on the end, such as atʉdʉ́mʉ̀ 'to jump up and down (subjunctive).' Hamaya (1993) analyzes a string of finite + infinitive verb forms as a serialization construction. This construction expresses a wide range of semantic relations. Two especially prominent semantic relations are Purpose: Ɛshɔmɔ́ aɨtarɛ́. 'He has gone to escort s.o.' (W); and and Aspect: Ɛgɨ́rà aɨtarɛ́. 'He is escorting s.o.' (W). See: áà- Plural infinitive prefix.

a-1   nmlz. Nominalization prefix. LING: Generally co-occurs with a nominalizing suffix, as in ɔl-a-rány-ànì [MSG-NMLZ-sing-NMLZ.AG] 'singer'. But compare ɨl-a-ŋen-i [MPL-NMLZ-clever-PL] 'wisemen'.

a-2   Variant: e-. Nom sg: á-. pn.b. Third person singular verb prefix for relative clause; 'that', 'which', 'what', 'who'. Ɛgɨ́rà ɛnkɛráí aiseyieseyíé ɛnkáɨ́ n-a-ɨrʉ́rà. The child is shaking the other one who is sleeping. (Pk). Ɛgɨ́rà ɛnkɛráí aɨrrʉŋʉrʉ́ŋ n-á-ɨ́rʉ̀rà. The child who is sleeping is snoring. (Pk). LING: Prefix tone agrees with case of the head noun. However, if a relative clause modifies a subject head noun but is displaced from that noun, it may take the Accusative tone. Compare (i) and (ii): (i) Ɛgɨ́rà ɛndáà nátií emotí aisamisú. 'The food that is in the cooking pan is getting rotten.' (ii) Ɛgɨ́rà kʉ́lɛ̂ áàìsàmìsù natíi olkúkúrí. 'The milks are going bad that is in the calabash.' (lit: It is going the milks to become bad that is in the calabash). Further compare third person relative clause [èntókì nàjò] 'something that says' (W), with first person: [èntókì nájó] 'something that I say.' (W). See: aá- Plural pronominal prefix in relative clause; n- Relativizer for feminine nouns; l- Relativizer for masculine nouns.

á-1   pn.b. Dialect variant of third person bound pronominal prefix. Kákè áɨ́tɔrrɔ̂k nɨ́ncɛ̀. But they are bad. (C). See: ɛ̀- Third person bound pronominal prefix.

á-2   pn.b. First person singular verb prefix, indicating no object (if verb is intransitive), or a third person or plural object (if verb is transitive). Ásɨ́ŋɨ́tà. I am sneezing. (W). Áɨ́pótítò. I am calling him/her/it. (W). LING: Rasmussen (2001) analyzes the first person singular prefix as underlyingly toneless a-. However, a High tone typically appears on this prefix due to High-spreading from the right.

á-3   inf. Singular infinitive prefix, subjunctive mood. Used following a-jó when it has sense 'to try'. Néjò á-ɨ́rɔ́rɔ́kɨ. He tried to greet him. Órè ɛnâ nàjò á-ípidoki ajó áɔ́ny When it tried to jump to bite. See: má- Subjunctive mood prefix.

á-4   mood. Marker of politeness, preceeding the second person pronominal verb prefix ɨ-. (A) examples with á- are polite, regardless of intonation. Á-ɨ́-dɔl ajó (k)áɨ̀m ɛntɛ́mátá. You will see that I will pass the exam. [polite] (W). Á-ɨ́-rá ŋáí? (May I ask) who are you? [polite] (W). LING: Preceding examples with á- are polite regardless of intonation. By contrast, the following are either neutral in politeness, or are threats, challenges, commands, meant to shame s.o., or responses to opposing presuppositions. For example, if the addressee had previously said the speaker would amount to nothing, the speaker might respond: Ɨ́dɔ́l ajó áɨ̀m ɛntɛ́mátá. 'You will see that I will pass the exam' [neutral or rude]. Ɨ́rá ŋáí? 'Who are you?' [neutral or rude]. Ɨ́rá ŋáí íyìè peê kímpááya? 'Who are you to send me to get it?' [rude]. (W) The politeness prefix does not occur on non-second person forms: *áɛ́dɔl. See: má- Subjunctive mood prefix.

-a1   Variant: -o. voi. Nonperfective Middle voice suffix. Derives an intransitive verb, typically with Patient as Subject. The primary uses are:

1 • Where the Agent is not conceptualized as part of the process or action. Ɛgɨ́rà taá nɨnyɛ́ ɔlcánì aun-ó. The tree is getting planted.

2 • Resultant state. Néjò "Eé, kɛ́sɨ́p-à taá." He said, "It is true.".

3 • Reflexive action.

4 • Reciprocal action. Usage: pl subject. áààsàkìn-ò To cooperate, work together. LING: This non-perfect(ive) suffix can co-occur with the plural subjunctive (identical to the plural perfect(ive)) suffix -at/-ot in subjunctive contexts: Nɨ́mɨ́kɨ́ncɔ̂ aké nɨnyɛ́ méínepunotó. 'We don't let them meet each other.'. See: -ɛ̀ Perfective Middle suffix.

-a2   Variant: -o. nmlz. Nominalizer, with Middle sense. en-túm-ò [FSG-find-NMLZ] meeting.

-a3   num. 1 • Singular or singulative suffix for certain nouns. Compare ɛm-búátá 'gap between front teeth' vs. ɨm-búát 'gaps between front teeth'.

2 • Plural suffix for certain nouns. Compare ɛ-máál 'dewlap' vs. ɨ-maalá 'dewlaps'. LING: See Dimmendaal (2000) on number suffixes in Nilo-Saharan languages.

-a4   Variant: -o; . In some suffixed forms: -ak, -ok. asp. 1 • asp. Perfect/perfective aspect suffix, used with singular subject. In some contexts it yields the sense of past time, though it is not a tense affix (König 1993). LING: For Class I verbs, -a(k) co-occurs with prefix tV- (V represents any vowel). Class II verbs take -a(k) but omit tV-. The variant -o(k) occurs with +ATR roots: Átóókò kʉlɛ́ naaɨ́sʉkʉ̂t. 'I drank the milk that is sour.' (W). The variant -a(k) occurs with underlyingly -ATR verb roots like bʉl 'grow', though in the following there is dissimilation to +ATR due to the /ʉ/+/a/ combination: Nɨ́dɔl ajó etubúlua inê. 'You see that the child has grown there.' If the stem vowel is -ATR /ɔ/, -ɔ(k) may occu Áatɔnyɔ̂ ɨláɨ́sʉ́ɨsʉ́ɨ́. 'The black ants bit me.' (W).

2 • mood. Subjunctive mood suffix. Used in imperatives, after modal auxiliaries (Hamaya 1993), etc. LING: The subjunctive suffix co-occurs with a tV- prefix on for Class I verbs, parallel to its use in the perfect/perfective aspect function: Táŋàsà tóòrò oltírén linó. 'First sweep your own floor.' Class II verbs lack the tV- prefix, and instead have distinct imperative person prefixes: Ɛ́yakákɨ̀ kʉlɛ́ naɨ́tɔkɨ́tɔ̀k. 'Bring milk that is still bubbling.'.

-a5   Variant: -o. In some suffixed forms: -ar, -or. dir. Verb suffix indicating direction away; thither. Néshuko, nélò aké, fu:nɛ́ʉtarɨ́. He went back, he just went, and he was shown the way. See: -áà Away.

aá-   Nom pl: áa-. Variant: aa-. pn.b. Third person plural prefix in a relative clause which modifies a feminine noun in the accusative case; Class I verbs. Ɛgɨ́rà ɛntásât ajút ɨnamʉ́kà naáàtà entérít. The woman is wiping shoes that have dust. Ámaâ kɛ́kʉlɛ́ naáropîl íyíéú anáà kɛ́kʉlɛ́ naáɨ́sʉkʉ̂t? Do you like fresh milk, or unfresh milk? (lit: Well, (is it) milks that are frothing you like or milks that are sour?). Ekébikóò intókìtìn pɔ́ɔkɨ náaramát ɨlɔ́ɔpɛ̂ny. All things that their owners care for last long. Nónokûâ ntamesí náàpùò nkárɛ́. There are the camels that are going for water. (SN). Ɛgɨ́rà kʉ́lɛ̀ náatií ɔlkúkúrí áàìsàmìsù. The milk that is in the calabash is going bad. LING: When tone on the verb stem is Falling, then the tone on aa- is Low: Ɨnkɨláni naagôl enkínyaŋá eishopítò ɔlkársîs. 'It is expensive clothes that the rich man is wearing.' Nílo arɛʉ́ inkíshú naarâ uní 'And you go and find about three cows.' (lit: And you go and drive here cows that are three.) Other instances of Low tone include: ɨnaajó iróreí ɔ́ɔ̀ɨ̀kɛ̀nà 'what the numbered words say'. Nélo atúm ɨrɔ́nkɛ́nà naayɨ́ɛ́r átɛ́ 'He went and found fried (pieces of) meats that were cooking themselves.'. See: a- Singular third person relative clause pronominal prefix; ɔɔ́- Masculine third person plural in a relative clause; n- Feminine or Place relative clause prefix.

áa-   pn.b. Pronominal prefix on verbs indicating third person subject and first person object (inverse). Áapɨ̂k ɛntásât ɔlcaní ɛnkɔŋʉ́. The woman will put medicine in my eye. (W). LING: See Payne, Hamaya & Jacobs (1994) for discussion of the Inverse nature of Maa bound pronominal prefixes. If the subject is 3PL and the aspect Perfect(ive), a HLF replacive tone pattern occurs on the verb: Áatɔɔnyɔ̂ ɨláɨ́sʉ́ɨsʉ́ɨ́. 'The ants (sp.) bit me.' (W) Áatɨpɨkâ oreyíét. 'They put me in the river.' (W).

áá-   pn.b. Pronominal verb prefix for first person sg. subject plus second person sg. object (inverse). Á́áɨ́rɔ́rɔ́kɔ ŋolé. I greeted you yesterday.

áà- (+ replacive HL tone)   inf. Plural infinitive prefix, indicating that the subject of a string of verbs is plural. Máapɛ́ aké níkìpùò áàdùŋùdùŋ ɨlɛ́nyɔ́k lɔɔ́ ɨlkɨdɔŋɔ́ lɔɔ́ isirkôn. Let's just go to cut into pieces the donkeys' tail hair. LING: The plural infinitive is used following an impersonal passive, demonstrating that the "passive" comes from the third plural impersonal subject suffix -ɨ́ (Greenberg 1959): Etooshóki ɛlʉ́kʉ́nyá áàrɛ̀ʉ̀ atûâ enkúé. 'He was hit so that his skull was bashed in.' Etápéjókì kʉnâ naaígàrà áàtùmòkì. 'The rib-meats have been nicely roasted.' (W) The plural infinitive generally imposes a HL tone pattern over the whole verb regardless of any other affixes on the verb (a few suffixes do trigger a non-Low tone at the end of the word). The HL word pattern links at the left-most edge of the verb and spreads Right, resulting in a HL(L) pattern. See: a- (+ replacive LH tone) Singular infinitive prefix.

-áà   Variant: -óò; -ɔ́ɔ̀. dir. 1 • dir. Motion-away verb suffix; thither. Órè peê ɛakʉ́ kɛ́báɨ́kɨ ɛnkáŋ, nɛ́ɨ́lanyáà ɛnkâŋ. When he was just about to reach the home, the home went (running) away (from him). See: -a Direction away; -árì Away plus Middle; -óyìè Away.

2 • asp. Distributive or iterative action verb suffix. Ɛgɨ́rà ɛnkáyíóní aɔrɔɔ́ ilkuóò. The boy is feeding the lambs. Áasʉjáà. It follows me every day. (W). Ábíkóò tené i. I'll be staying around here (e.g. for the holidays). (SN) ii. I'll live forever. (K Pk). LING: The Bari 'motion away' suffix is -ara/-oro (TM 1955:150), suggesting that Maa -áà has deleted an /r/. The form -ɔ́ɔ̀ occurs after roots with -ATR vowel ɔ.

áàjò   [South]: áájó. comp. Form of complementizer used after a plural-subject main verb; that. Nɨ́kɨ̀dɔ̀l áàjò oróréí lɛ́ tɨ́pàt. We saw that it is an important (valuable) word. (C). LING: The complementizer form ajó, which derives historically from the singular infinitive a-jó 'to say', may also be used in plural contexts. See: ajó That; a-jó To say.

ɔl-adúóó2   Nom sg: ɔl-adúóó. Acc pl: ɨl-adúóó. Nom pl: ɨl-adúóó. n. Previously-mentioned participant or participants. Néínyotótò oladúóó mʉrraní. The previously-mentioned warrior woke up. Népùò áàsàì ɛnadúóó títo. They go to finish betrothing the previously-mentioned girl. Nɛ́dʉmʉnɨ́ ɛnadúóó ayíónì. This previously-mentioned young boy was picked up. Ɛshɔmɔ́ oladúóó áyíóní kɛ́rɛ́rɛ̂ arrarrʉ́ imbúkuí tɛ̀ kábât. That slovenly boy has gone to knock all the books out of the cupboards. (W). See: Pronouns-Demonstratives; dúóó Earlier.

áí1   [moras as áy, +ATR]  Nom sg: âî (moras as [ây]). Acc pl: áinéí (moras as [áìnéy]). Variant: áinêî. Nom pl: áinéí (moras as [áìnéy]). Variant: áinêî. pn.psr. First person sg. possessive pronoun: belonging to me. LING: If the possessed item is masculine, áí takes the prefix l-. A: Káà kɛ́ráí ɨ́gɨ́rà aɨmakɨ́? B: ɛnâ áí. A: Which child are you referring to? B: This one of mine. Ádɔ́lɨ́tà enkitók áí. I see / am seeing my wife. Káló aparán laláshɛ̀ láí. I will go visit my brother to ask him for help. (SN). Ɛadɔ́ enkítòk âî aláŋ enkitók inó. My wife is taller than your wife. Emúéítà ɛnkɨ́tɛ̀ŋ âî. My cow is sick. (W). Kɛ́ɛdɔ́ oláyíóní lâî. My son is tall. (Pk). Ádɔ́lɨ́tà inkitúààk áinéí. I see my wives. (Pk). Ádɔ́lɨ́tà inkíshú áinêî kúmòk tɔ̀ ldoinyó. I am seeing my many cows on the hill. (W). Kɛ́ɛdɔ́ iláyìòk láinéí. My sons are tall. (Pk). Kɛ́ɛdɔ́ iláyìòk láinêî. My sons are tall. (W). Kɛ́nyɔ́rɨ̀ ɛnkɨ́lâ âî ayíá ánàà eninó. [ɛ̀ŋkɪ́lá ! áɪ́ àyyá] My cloth is green like yours. (Pk). Ɛnaáí. It's mine. See: Pronouns-Possessive.

áinêî   [North] Acc sg: áinén. First person possessive pronoun of plural items; of or belonging to me; my (plural possessed items). LING: If possessed N is masc., possessive pronoun may take prefix l-. inkúény áinêî aré sapúki my two big birds (W) (In this NP, any ordering of the last three words is grammatical as long as they follow inkúény. The possessive pronoun cannot appear before a noun.). Ɨnáainéí kʉná kɛ́râ. These children are mine. Ɨláanéí kʉlɔ́ kɛ́rrà. These rams are mine. Parts of the body usually do not take this possessive. LING: If the possessed item is masculine, the prefix l- occurs. Ɛ́dɔ́l ɨnkáɨ́k áinêî tááisérè. He will see my hands tomorrow. (W). Sidaîn ɨnkáɨ́k áinêî olêŋ. My hands are very good. (W). Ɨlmɔ́ŋɨ́ láinéí kʉlɔ́. These are my bulls. See: Pronouns-Possessives; áí My (sg item).

ajó   Acc pl: áàjò. [South]: áájó. comp. Complementizer which introduces a complement clause. Reanalyzed from the infinitive a-jó 'to say'. Nɛ́akʉ kéjo aké áàɨ̀nɛ̀nɛ̀ŋ ɔlmʉrraní ɛlɛ̂ rinká, nɛ́dɔ̀l ajó éísidai. When the warriors were trying this club, they say [saw?] that it was good. Keyíólò ajó kálotu. He knows that I am coming. Ɛgɨ́rà iláyìòk áàtɛ̀mà áɨ̀ŋʉ̀ràà ajó kálɔ̂ ógòl. The boys are trying each other to see which is strong. (Pk). Ágɨ́rà aʉ́t siî nɨnyɛ́ sukúùl ajó kálò. I am intending to go to school too. (Pk). See: a-jó To say.

-ak   Variant: -ok. nmlz. Plural number suffix in agent nominalizations. (Variant -ak is used with -ATR stems; -ok is used with +ATR stems.).

-akɨ   Variant: -ɔkɨ; -oki; -iki. In some suffixed forms: -akɨn, -okin. appl. Greater intensity or intention to do sth. Tápàlà peê áyákɨ́ ɛnkɨlâ ínó. You do not mind I will bring your cloth. (Pk). Tápàlà peê áyákɨ́ ɛnkɨlâ inó. Just leave it, so I will bring you your cloth. (W). Néjokí: Órè oshî táatá néméékúré kílótú aɨrɔrɔkɨ́ ánàà apá. He said to them/He told them: "Nowadays you don't come to see me like before." (Pk). LING: In the following example, -akɨ on nɛ́sʉjakɨ́ and nɛ́ɨ́sɨadákɨ̀ indicates that one group is following after the other in a line: Kórè ɔpá kɨ́ndʉ́rrɨ́tâ áàpùò enetií ɛnkárɛ̀, ɔlálɛ́ loó nkíshú âŋ náàìtùrùkìtò, nɛ́sʉjakɨ́ ɔlálɛ̀ lóò nkíshú ɔɔ́ Ɛmpapá, nɛ́ɨ́sɨadákɨ̀ ɔlálɛ̀ lóò nkíshú oó Lemeín. When we were moving to where water is, then the group of our cows was the first one, followed by a group of Empapa's cows, then lastly the group of Lemein's cows. (W). LING: The following is judged to not be very good with the Dative -akɨ(n) because "no one will make a line with goats"; the sentence is fine if -akɨ(n) is dropped: ?Ɛ́sʉ́jákɨ̀ ɛnkáyíóní enkíné. The boy will follow the goat. (W). Áasʉjakɨ́ oldóínyó. He will track me (all over the place, through whatever routes I might take) to the mountain. (W) Compare: Áasʉ́j oldóínyó. He will follow me to the mountain. (W) With -akɨ(n), the example might imply that the person following me has some bad intention and I am seeking refuge in the mountain. Also note the meanings in: Áasʉjakɨ́ ɛnkítɛ́ŋ. i) He will follow the cow for me. (e.g. it is lost and I am unable to go after it). (W) ii) He will pursue me all the way to the cow (e.g. I know that a dog who is pursuing me is afraid of cows, so I run to a cow seeking safety, but the dog neverless pursues me all the way there). (W). LING: The variant -akɨ(n) occurs on most -ATR verb roots, -ɔkɨ(n) with -ATR roots that contain /ɔ/, and -oki(n) on +ATR roots. Choice of the variant -iki(n) sometimes correlates with a slight meaning change, but with most roots that take -iki(n), it is the only dative form that can occur.

alɛ̂ [North]   [North] This, masculine singular. Restrict: SN, Restrict: SN. Alɛ̂ gíitâ ápórórie anâ ŋɛ́rɛ́m. This rope is what I will use to creep/climb over this precipice. (SN). See: ɛlɛ̂ This.

amʉ̂   conj. Because, reason. Tɨ́gɨrayú amʉ̂ kérrinyúnyìè ŋutunyí! Be quiet because mother will come back! Mayíéú ɛnâ kɨlâ amʉ̂ mmɛ̂ ɛnaáí. I don't want this cloth because it is not mine. Ɛ́ntasotú ɨmálàsìn amʉ̂ ɛ́táá kɛ́ɨ́ŋʉrákɨ̀nɨ̀ ɛnapá kɛ́ráí inyî ɨntaléŋò. Collect beer gourds because it is about time for your child to go through initiation. Ɛrɔ́k ómòm Pita amʉ̂ ɛtáláíkínè ayámà ɨ́nâ títo. Pita is unfortunate because he was not able to woo that girl. Mayíéú náló inkíshú táatá amʉ̂ àlò aɨsʉmásh. I don't want to go look after cows today because I will feel hungry. LING: may take an independent-like clause complement, or one with subjunctive tone.

-án   Variant: -ɔ́n; -ón. nmlz. Suffix which creates a noun referring to a state or condition from stative verb roots. LING: The variant -ɔ́n follows -ATR /ɔ/ root vowels. Compare ɛn-dɔr-ɔ́n [FSG-be.red-NMLZ] 'redness, rust', versus ɛn-cal-án [FSG-weak-NMLZ] 'weakness' and ɛm-pɨj-án [FSG-be.sharp-NMLZ] 'sharpness'. The variant -ón follows +ATR root vowels as in en-gol-ón [FSG-be.hard-NMLZ] 'hardness, strength' and en-gut-ón [FSG-be.deep-NMLZ] 'depth'.

aná1   conj. Alternative conjunction; or. Kɛ́ntaré íyíéú aná inkíshú? Is it sheep you want, or cows? Íyíéú níásɨshɔ tɛ̀ súkùùl aná íyieu nílo aigurán? Do you want to work at school, or do you want to go and play? LING: For W, *anáà cannot occur in the preceding sentences. Ílótú ɛnkají âî aná ílo sokónì. Will you come to my house, or will you go to the market? See: anáà Or else.

anâ [North]2   Nom sg: aná. dem. [North] Feminine singular proximal demonstrative; this. Alɛ̂ gíitâ ápórórie anâ ŋɛ́rɛ́m. This rope is what I will use to creep/climb over this precipice. (SN). Kɔ́bɔ́r aná kɨ́tɛ̀ŋ. This cow is calm. (SN). See: ɛnâ This.

-ani   Variant: -oni. nmlz. Verb suffix which creates a singular agent nominalization. ɔlaárànì beater, attacker, killer; from root ar 'beat, kill'. Ɛtámúíyíá ŋolé oloshî áɨ́tɛ́rrání lɛ́ sokónì nɛ́ɨ́tɛ̀rrɛ̀ isáaí aré. The usual market fainter (i.e. person who always faints in the market) became sick yesterday and fainted for two hours. (W).

âŋ   Nom sg: áŋ. [North] Acc sg: âg. pn.psr. First person plural feminine possessive pronoun. Órè ɛnâ áshê náà ɛ́ná âŋ You see this heifer is ours.[náà ɛ̀nà âŋ]  Ɛshɔmɔ́ ɛnkɛráí áŋ sukúùl. Our child has gone to school.

-arɛ1   Variant: -ore. appl voi. Suffix complex containing Middle plus Instrumental applicative. Ɛgɨ́rà ɛnkɛráí kɨ́tɨ̀ aɛlarɛ́ ɛnkapianá. The little child is smearing herself with milk fat found in cooled fresh milk. (Pk). Ɛgɨ́rà ɛnkáyíóní adalarɛ́ intótò. The boy is playing with pebbles. (Pk). Nónokúà nkíshú náírukurukórè ntaré. There are the cows moving together with the goats. (SN). Káya ɛnâ motí aló aɨtaás eyíárárɛ́. I am taking this cooking pot so that I can use it for cooking with. (Pk).

-arɛ2   Variant: -ore. nmlz. Nominalizer for active verbs, creating a noun referring primarily to the action. With some verbs, -arɛ gives the idea of repeated instances of an action, in contrast to nominalizations in -ata which may refer to single instances of the action. Mayíólò ajó káɨ́nyɔɔ náyawúá ɛnâ síàì ɛsɨ́ŋárɛ̀ oltiól. Kájó kʉlɔ́ keék ɔɔ́dànyɨ̀tà ɨntapʉ́kà. I don't know what brought about this act/business of sneezing. Maybe it is because of these trees that are flowering. See: -ata Nominalizer.

-árì   voi. Suffix complex containing Motion Away plus Middle. Nɛ́pɨrɨrɨŋárì Ɔlárìnkòì Olarinkoi rolled down. LING: Historically this may be a combination of the motion away -a(r) plus plus the Perfect(ive) Middle . LING: This combination appears to be (almost) homophonous with the Motion away plus passive combination, except that the -ATR passive form has -árɨ̀ or -arɨ́. See: -a Motion Away; -ɛ̀ Perfect(ive) Middle; -ʉ́nyɛ̀ Motion Towards plus Middle.

-at   num. Plural verb suffix for perfective middle voice. Ɛtɨgɨ́làtɛ̀ ɨlalá láinêî. My teeth broke. (W). Nɨ́mɨ́kɨ́ncɔ̂ aké nɨnyɛ́ méínepunotó. We don't let them meet each other.

-át1   Nom pl: -àt. nmlz. Plural nominalizer for active verbs. induŋót aré two sections (e.g. of land) (lit: two cuttings).

-átá   Nom sg: -atá. Variant: -ótó. Acc pl: -át. nmlz. 1 • Nominalizer for active verbs, creating a nominal that refers to a single instance of an action or situation. ɛŋórótó oó nkíshú the shooting of cows (on the juglar vein).

2 • Nominalizer creating a nominal that refers to the result of an action or situation, for selected active verbs. Átóníŋò oltóíló laíjó ɛsɨ́ŋátá tiaáúlùò. I have heard a sound like a sneeze outside. (W). Órè ɨsɨŋát ɔɔ́ ntarɛ́ náà ɛyáʉ̀ olkúlùp. The sneezes of the sheep+goats bring mucous. (W). See: -arɛ Nominalizer for active verb roots; -án Nominalizer for stative verb roots. LING: Though there are exceptions, with nominalizations of three moras or less the Accusative singular tone is frequently -átá, while the Nominative is -atá. The Accusative plural is generally -át, while the Nominative plural is either the same or has a HL pattern over the word. Roots ending in /r/ and /n/ and Class II verb roots frequently have distinctive tone patterns in this nominaization form.

átɛ́   pn. Plural reflexive and reciprocal pronoun; selves. Kɨ́nyaŋákɨ̀ átɛ́ ɨlnyɛ́nyà. We buy ourselves tomatoes. (W). Ɛgɨ́rà inkɛ́rá áàèlìè átɛ́ erékò. The children are painting themselves with the red ochre. (Pk). máatɛ by themselves. Ɛ́ncɔ̀ɔ̀ épúó máatɛ amʉ̂ ímíkípúô iyioók. Let them go by themselves because we are not going to go. (Pk). Kɨ́ntàrɛ̀ɨ̀tà átɛ́. We are escorting each other. (W). ɨntáɨ́ aaté you yourselves. See: kɛwán self.

-átɛ̀   voi asp. Perfect / Perfective Plural Middle suffix. kʉldɔ̂ tʉ́ŋáná ɔɔ́tʉmʉratátɛ̀ those people who are already circumcised. Ɛtɛŋɛ́ràtɛ̀ ilkónsósí ŋolé. The bags tore yesterday. (W). See: -ɛ̀ Perfect(ive) Singular Middle.

ɛ-1   gen. Feminine singular gender prefix; variant of ɛn-, occurring before continuant consonants (s, l, r, and nasals). See: ɛn-.

ɛ-2   pn.b. Pronominal prefix for relative clauses designating a location; place where. LING: As a pronominal prefix, this follows the relative clause marker n-. ewúéjì nɛmányà Ole Sokoine a place where Ole Sokoine lives (KS). Néponu ɨlmʉ́rrân enetíi. The warriors come to where he is.

ɛ́   Variant: ; ɛ̀. psr.prt. If the possessed item is pronominal, the particle may carry gender and number prefixes in place of a preceding possessed noun: ɔl 'the (masc) one of ...'; ɨlɛ́ 'those (masc) of...'; ɛnɛ̂ 'the (feminine) one of...'. LING: If the possessed item is masculine, ɛ́ is preceded by l-. The ATR quality of ɛ́ varies according to the ATR value of the following word. The tone of ɛ́ varies according to the following noun, but in ways not yet understood. Compare: entíto è Rónkei daughter of Ronkei. Iyíólò oróréí lé emúá. [lémúá] Do you know the word emúá? (W). olórìkà lɛ̀ Nyɛrɛ́rɛ̀ the seat of Nyerere. olórìkà lɛ̀ kanísà the church's chair (W). olórìkà lé nkisómà the chair of education (W). olórìkà lé nkitejó the hare's seat (W). olórìkà lé mbúkù the chair of books (W). Áísidaîn inkíaasîn ɛ́ lɛ̂ mʉ́rránì ɔɨdɨpá esíáàì ɛnyɛ́. The works of this warrior who had finished his work are good. (Pk). LING: In the preceding example the combination ɛ́ lɛ̂ does not behave tonally like single-word HF forms (which become low in context; see ɨ́nâ 'that', tɔ́mɔ̂n 'ten', ɛ́n-kɨ́rɨ́nâ 'traditional bracelet'). Here ɛ́ lɛ̂ remains H F. Órè aké téípà nɛ́ɨ́dʉ̀rr ɨnkɛ́rà è sukúùl ɨndámùnòt. In the afternoon/evening, school children's [lit: children of school] minds (thoughts) wander (migrate). Áyíéú ɛnâ búkù ɛ Tôm. I need this book of Tom's. (W). Áyíéú kʉnâ búkuí aré ɛ Tôm. I need these two books of Tom's. (W). LING: GENDER OF POSSESSOR: The masculine singular counterpart is ɔ́. LING: GENDER OF POSSESSUM: ɛ́ takes the prefix l- when the preceding possessed item is masculine. LING: NUMBER of POSSESSOR: The plurals ɔɔ́ and ɔ́ɔ̀ occur for both masculine and feminine possessors (see paradigms below). LING: CASE of POSSESSUM: The possessed head noun varies for case depending on its role in the clause. If plural, tone on the the possessive particle varies with case of the head noun. The following possessor noun always occurs in the accusative case. LING: ORTHOGRAPHY: This particle generally cliticizes to the following noun, assimilating to it in ATR quality. Orthographically, TM (213) write it as a separate particle and we have followed that tradition. However, experienced native-speaker writers often write it as a contiguous element with the following word. Népuonu ɨlɛ́ kʉ́ldɔ apá ɔ́ààrɨ̀tà ɔlarinkóí. Those (warriors) of the others came from the side where Olarinkoi was killing. See: lɛ́ Feminine singular possessive particle with Masculine possessed item; ɔ́ Masculine singular possessive particle; ɔɔ́ Plural possessive particle.

ɛ́-1   inter.prt. Contrastive focus question particle, preceding a questioned noun. Ɛ́ntaré íyíéú anáa ilbitiró?" Do you want sheep and goats or warthogs? LING: Often prefixed with k-.

ɛ́-2   pn.b. Plural subject prefix on Imperative verbs. Éɨniniŋó ɔlɔɨrɔrɨ́tà! Listen to the one who is speaking! Lɔ́ mʉ́rrân, ɛ́ntaanyúákɨ̀! Hey warriors, you all wait for me! See: m- Subjunctive.

ɛ̀-   Variant: è-; é-; a-; á-; ɔ-. pn.b. Bound pronoun on verbs indicating third person subject and no object (intransitive verbs); or third person subject with third person or plural object (transitive verbs). Órè ɛyɨkáì ɛ́lɛ̀ dóínyó náà áɨ́tɔrrɔ́nɔ̂. The elevation of this hill is bad. LING: For some dialects (Pk) the third person pronominal prefix tends to be pronounced as a-. In North Maa (Samburu) this prefix undergoes more extensive vowel harmony, particularly with -ATR stem vowels. For example, in SN it is ɔ- preceding an ʉ stem vowel.

-ɛ̀1   voi. Perfect(ive) Singular Middle-voice suffix. With Class 1 roots it co-occurs with the prefix tV-, while with Class 2 roots it occurs alone. Ɛrɔ́k ómòm Pita amʉ̂ ɛtáláíkínè ayámà ɨ́nâ títo. Pita is unfortunate because he was not able to woo that girl. (W). Míkíntókì aurokínó amʉ̂ atanauré sií nanʉ́. Stop leaning on me because I am also tired. (Pk). Ɛtɨgɨ́lɛ̀ ɔlálàì lâî. My tooth broke. (W). Ɛtɨgɨ́làtɛ̀ ɨlalá láinêî. My teeth broke. (W). Káɨ́wɔtɨwɔ́tɛ̀ I have been infected. (S). See: -a Non-perfective Middle suffix.

-ɛ̀2   asp. Variant of the perfect or perfective aspect suffix which occurs after the direcitonal -ʉ́(n). Nɛ́ɨshʉ́nyɛ̀. It (the story) has ended. Órè adé aké peê ɛakʉ́ ɛɨdɨ́pɛ̀ pɔ́ɔkɨ tókî... When everything has been finished... Néshukunyíêî (People) come back (inside). See: -a Nonperfect(ive) Middle suffix.

ɛɛ́-   pn.b. Plural pronominal prefix for relative clauses designating a location; places where. Kéduŋókì aké ɨnkárn ánàà iwuejitín nɛɛ́manyá. They are given names according to the places they live. (KS).

ɛɨ-   interj. Introdctory particle. See: áî Introductory particle.

ɛɨtʉ́   v.aux. Negative perfect(ive) aspect auxiliary verb, indicating that sth. is not yet done or complete. This auxiliary does not inflect for person. Ɛɨtʉ́ ŋolé alotú esíáì. I did not come to work yesterday. (Pk). Ɛɨtʉ́ áámɨ́rákɨ̀ ɛnkɨ́tɛ́ŋ. I did not sell you the cow. (W). Ɛɨtʉ́ kɨ́mɨ́rákɨ̀ ɛnkɨ́tɛ́ŋ. You did not sell me the cow. (W). Kórè peê éításhê, ɛɨtʉ́ ɛ́dɔ̂l ɔlásʉ́ráí. When he stopped, he didn't see the snake. (W). Ɨ́tɔ́dúaa inkíshú? Á'a. Ɛɨtʉ́ adɔ́l kákè átɔ́nɨŋɔ. Did you see the cows? No. I didn't see (them), but I heard (them). Ɨ́tɔ́dúaa inkíshú? Ɛɨtʉ́. Did you see the cows? No (I didn't see them). Ágɨ́rà abikokí meeû amʉ̂ maló naá ɛ́ɨ́tʉ̂ adúààrɛ̀. I am waiting for him to come because I cannot go without seeing him. (Pk). Kótupukuro; ɛ́ɨ́tʉ́ eikén. She capped it; she didn't close it. (SN). Shɔ́mɔ̀ ɛɨtʉ́ ɛ́shá. Go before it rains. Ɛátà ɨná kɛráí ɛlʉ́kʉnyá amʉ̂ eipírríó sokónì néshukúnyè ɛ́ɨ́tʉ̂ èlò aɨmalɨmál. That child is responsible because she ran to the market and returned without going to goof off. (W).

ɛ-ɛ́ɨ́tʉ̀   Not yet. See: ɛ̀-tɔ̀n ɛ̀ɨ̀tʉ̀ Before; m- not.

ɛká-   pn.b. Variant of first person singular verb prefix á- (or a-).

ɛkɨ-   pn.b. Variant of second person bound pronoun ɨ-. "Órè tɛnákatá ɛkɨ́ákʉ̀ iyíé oldîâ ɔ kɛnyá otúá. Now you will become a dog forever until you di.e.' (KS).

ɛ́kɨ́-   pn.b. Variant of first person plural bound pronominal prefix on verbs; we. Ɛ́kɨ́gɨrá áàjò mátayioló iróreí lɔɔ́ lMáásâɨ̂. We are trying to learn about Maasai words. See: kɨ́- 1PL.

ɛn-   gen. Gender prefix for place.

ɛ́n-   pn.b. Plural imperative and subjunctive pronominal verb prefix. Ɛ́ncɔ̀m áŋ! Go home!

ɛnk-   gen. Variant of the feminine singular gender prefix ɛn-, occurring before some vowel-initial noun stems. See: ɛn-.

-ɛ́t   Acc pl: -ɛ́tà. nmlz. Nominalizer creating a noun referring to the instrument with which an action is done. ɛnáíshó najî ɛnkɨ́rɔ́rɛ́t beer that is called "the talking-one" (lit: beer that is called 'thing to talk with').

ɨ-   pn.b. Pronominal prefix indicating second person subject and no object (on intransitive verbs), or third person or plural object (on transitive verbs). Ɨ́dʉ́t kʉnâ saên. You (sg) will choose among these beads. (SN). Ɨ́sʉmá embólúnotó eoŋúán. (You should) Read (Study) chapter four. (W). Ɨ́dʉ́tʉ́dɨ̀t kʉnâ saên. You (pl) will choose among these beads. (SN). Áɨ́dɔ́lɨ́dɔ́lɔ̀ ajá áɨ̀m ɛntɛ́mátá. You (pl) will see that I will pass the exam. [polite] (W). LING: Note that the stem is Class II ɨsʉm 'read'; but addition of the singular imperative does not result in a long initial syllable. ...peê irík obô ...so that you can lead (go along with) one (of us). LING: According to Rasmussen (2002), the second person prefix is, itself, toneless. Though it most frequently surfaces with a High tone, this is due to spreading of High onto it from the verb stem. In certain subjunctive contexts, it surfaces with Low due to the Subjunctive Low. The difference between second person singular and second person plural is indicated by reduplication of the verb stem and/or tone at the end of the verb.

2   Variant: -i-. voi. 1 • Impersonal passive suffix. LING: The impersonal passive suffix most likely has an underlying High tone. However, surface tone on the suffix varies by derivational pattern of the word (and possibly by dialect). Compare the following from W: entókì najóí [na-jo-ɨ FREL-say-PASS] 'sth. that will be said'. entókì natejókì [na-tV-jo-ak-ɨ FREL-PF-say-PF-PASS] 'sth. that was said'. entókì najóítoi [na-jo-ɨ́tà-ɨ FREL-say-PROG-PASS] 'sth. that is being said'. ••• Despite one statement to the contrary in TM (1955), we have found no evidence that the Maa Impersonal Passive construction allows expression of an Agent in a tɛ̀ Oblique phrase. Only the Patient may be expressed, in its Accusative case tone. The passive developed from a third-person plural suffix (Greenberg 1959). (Note that infinitives occurring in a passive sentence require the plural form, even if the Patient is singular.) The plural/passive ambiguity is still present today (also note the alternate pronunciations for a single speaker; W dialect): Néjî tááisérè. (i) 'It will be said tomorrow.' (ii) 'They will say it tomorrow.' O Néjì tááisérè. (i) 'It will be said tomorrow.' (ii) 'They will say it tomorrow.'. Ɛgɨ́ráɨ́ áàùn ɛnkají. The house is being erected. (Pk). Ɛnyaálɨ̀ olcúmà mɛtáà íjio ɛnkɨkɛ́. The iron bar is to be chewed to make a brush. Ágɨ́ra aanyʉ́ máayakɨnɨ̂ peê atúm ashɔ́mɔ̀. I am waiting to be given it so that I can go. (Pk). Meyíóloi. It is unknown. (W). Ɛnkányɨ̀t oshî erikíékì ɛnkɔ́p. By respect the world is ruled. (Pk). Nɛ́ararɨ́ mɛshɔ́mɔ̀ He will be forced to go. Néíbukorí, néítèjò osíwùò. They were poured out and the wind took them. LING: In the following, -ɨ́ occurs twice, in the nominal relative clause eneikoní, and in néréwí. The Subject of the first inflected verb is 1SG, but 1SG does not carry over as the formal subject of the subsequent clauses. 'Car' occurs in the Accusative form, as expected in the Impersonal Passive construction. Áɨ́bʉ́ŋà eneikoní tɛ̀ néréwí ɛngárrɨ̀ tɛ̀ siadí. 'I have discovered how a car is driven in reverse.' (e.g. perhaps I have been trying for several days and finally figured it out.) (lit: I have caught that which is done of a car driven of behind.) (W). LING: In the following, ɨ́ co-occurs with the Antipassive suffix ɨshɔ(r): Órè oshî ɛnkátá naáíjo ɛnâ náshâ néunishôî. 'In a season like this of rain, planting is done.' (Pk). See: -ɨshɔ Antipassive suffix.

ɨ́-4   pn.b. Second person singular imperative. LING: The 2nd person singular imperative prefix appears to carry lexical High tone, differently from the non-imperative 2nd person form, which gets its High tone by spreading from a High tone to its right (Rasmussen 2000).

-ɨ́   mood. Imperative and subjunctive verb suffix. Tɔ́bɔɨnáɨ́ Take it away from me by redirecting it elsewhere. Tɨ́pɨkakákɨ̀ ɨ́nâ dúóó kurmán ɛnkɨkámpù peê anapíé. [tɪ́pɪ̀kàkákɪ̀ ɪ̀nà dúóó] Put for me the maize flour in the basket so I can carry it (with it). (Pk). Mmɛɨpʉ́táí áɨ́kata inê amʉ̂ eúlulû nɛ́mɛ́ɛ́tà enkítíŋótó. You can never fill there because it is a bottomless pit. (Pk). Nyáakɨ́ shɔ́mɔ̀ íyakɨ́ ɛnkákùìyìà ɛnkʉrmá. Go again and bring maize to your grandmother. (W). Nyáakɨ́ shɔ́mɔ̀ íyakákɨ̀ ɛnkʉrmá. Go again and get me maize. (W).

ídîâ   [ìdìà] in context]  Nom sg: idîâ, ídîâ. dem. 1 • Feminine singular demonstrative; 3rd degree of distalness; that (far-away but potentially still visable). ídîâ búkù that book (far away but visible). Ídîâ wúâs táatá ínosíé ɨlashɔ́. Today have the calves graze at that plain. A: Kánʉ̀ ɨ́ndɨ́pà atɛshɛ́tà ɛnkají? B: Áɨ́dɨ́pà ídîâ ɔlɔ́ŋ. A: When did you finish building the house? B: I finished it the other day. (Speaker B is not being specific about which day, except that it is in the past.). Emúóítà olóíŋóní; áâ taá ɨ́lɔ̂ láínyáŋúá ídíâ káɨ́ olôŋ. The bull is sick, that is, the one that I had bought the other day. (W). See: lékûâ Those; Pronouns-Demonstratives.

ídíê   [ìdìè]  Nom sg: ídíê. dem. Distal place demonstrative indicating a place very far away; there. Ɛshɔmɔ́ ɔláyíóní aulúó aló ídíê ó ídìè. The boy has gone all over the place, there and over there. See: Pronouns Þ Demonstrative pronouns.

ɨn-   Variant: ɨn-; i-; ɨ-. gen. Noun prefix for feminine plural referent. Nɛ́yá inkíshú ɛnyɛ̂ ó isirkôn. He took their cows and donkies.

-ɨtâ   Variant: -tâ; -itô. asp. Plural perfect(ive) or subjunctive suffix, used for third person plural in certain affix combinations, and with first person plural for some irregular verbs. Ɛtʉ́mʉ́sánɨtâ kʉndá áídashén olêŋ. Those shoes have become very old. (W). Kítureitâ. We were afraid. Kɨ́tuatâ. We died. Kɨ́tabaɨtâ..l We were as big as..'. kítayioloitô... We knew how to... Kɨ́tanyaɨtɛ́. We refused. kɨ́mbaitîê. We hated. LING: With other roots, the First Plural Perfect(ive) is just final falling tone, as in kɨtamâ 'We ate', or kíetûô 'We came.'. See: -^; grammatical tone morpheme Plural perfect(ive).

-ɨ́tà   Variant: -ítò. asp. Progressive aspect: to be in the process of. Kɛ́ányɨ́tà nɨnyɛ́. He/She is waiting for him/her. (W). Áípótítò. I am calling (s.o.) (W). Álóítò sokónì. I am going to market. (W). Káɛ́lɨ́tà málà. I am smearing the calabash (right now, or throughout the week) (e.g. to make it strong). (SN). Álépítò ɛnkítɛ́ŋ ŋolé. Yesterday I was milking a cow. (W). LING: The lexical HL tone of -ɨ́tà may be overridden by "replacive" tones, such as áà- (HL) '3rd acting on 1st sg': Áàpòtìtò. He/She is calling me. (W). LING: When combined with the H Passive affix, the L may be lost resulting in downstep: entókì najóítoi something that is being said (W). See: a-gɨrá To be quiet; be in the process of.

iyíóók   Nom pl: iyioók. [North] Acc sg: iyóó. pn. First person plural pronoun; we, us. Papâ ɔ́ɨ́kʉná injí iyíóók. It is our father who has done this to us. Kɛ́ar doí iyíóók ɛlɛ̂ tʉ́ŋání. This man will indeed kill us.

k[H]-   con. 1 • Occurs on the verb in certain subordinate clause types, including those introduced by amʉ̂ 'because', páà/peê 'so (that)'. In this use, k- occurs at the beginning of the verb, preceding bound pronominal prefixes. Kɛ́bebɛ́k kʉná lɛ̀? Is this milk diluted? (W). Kɛ́nkají oó ntóyie ɨ́rrag anáa kɛ́nɔɔ́nkúruon? Is it the house of the girls you want to sleep in, or the ashes house?". Kɛ́sàà ajá íló sukúùl? What time will you go to school? (K)áî iyíé ɔ́shɔmɔ́ ɔlkɛjʉ́ádɔ́? [(K)áy ìyyé] Is it you that has gone to Kajiado? (W). Kájì etíi ɨntárɛ̀ ínonó? Where are your sheep/goats? (Pk). Órè taá enikinkô amʉ̂ kɛ́ar doí iyíóók ɛlɛ̂ tʉ́ŋání... Now what we are going to do, because this man is going to kill us... Tʉ́mʉ̀rà shʉ́mátá ɛnkájì amʉ̂ ɛ́táá kɛ́shà. Plaster the roof of the house because it is about to rain. (Pk). Ɨ́nuáá ɔltáà amʉ̂ kímísímís doí ájì. Light the lamp because it is dark here in the house. (Pk). Néponu ɛnâ dúóó áŋ áàɨ̀rràg páà kɛ́ɛnɨ́ mɛtábaɨkɨ́ inkíshú ɨnkɛjɛ́k. They come to that home to sleep and tomorrow the cow's legs are tied.

2 • Marker of narrative assertion. LING: In some dialects k- appears to be the marked form for assertions (K). In others, use of k- appears to be a more neutral form for assertions (S). Additionally, in one dialect where use of k- appears to be unmarked, one speaker suggested that without k-, a sentence may express a more presently-relevant situation. Compare: Kátum ráshé. I will find a piece of cowhide. Kátúmò ráshé ŋolé. I found/got a piece of cowhide yesterday. (maybe I still have it, maybe I don't). Átúmò ráshé. I have got / found a piece of cowhide. (Probably I still have it.). LING: k- carries a High tone which is realized on the immediately following syllable to which k- is prefixed.

k-   gen. Epenthetic element which occurs at the beginning of some noun stems derived from verbs, or with other verbs is reanalyzed as part of the feminine gender prefix ɛn(k)-. See: ɛn- Singular feminine gender prefix.

-k   num.suf. Plural number suffix.

kákè   conj. 1 • conj. But. Kélo kákè kátɔn nanʉ́. He will go but I will stay. (Pk). Áatanyúá kákè éítú abáʉ́. He waited for me, but I never arrived. (W).

2 • interj. Means of getting the listener's attention. Kákè, ámaâ kálotu tááisérè? Well, can I come tomorrow? (Pk). Kákè ɛjɔ́n ɛlɛ̂ ŋánayîô. This fruit is very raw. (Pk).

kɛwán   Variant: kɛwɔ́n. [North] Acc sg: kɔɔ́n. [West] Acc sg: kaán. pn. Singular reflexive pronoun: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself. Ádúŋ kɛwán. 'I will cut myself.' (Pk). Áshɛ́t kaán matáà náákʉ̀ ɔlaɨgúɛ́nànì. I wil build myself until I become a chief. (W). Etym: Related to Proto-Lotuko-Maa 'body', which Vossen reconstructs as *-kuan- (Vossen 1982:336).. See: átɛ́ Selves; kɛwɔ́n self; kɔɔ́n self; kaán self.

kɛwɔ́n   pn. Singular reflexive pronoun: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself. Etym: Related to Proto-Lotuko-Maa 'body', which Vossen reconstructs as *-kuan- (Vossen 1982:336).. See: kɛwán Self; kaán self; kɔɔ́n self.

kɨ́-   pn.b. Inverse marker for 2nd person singular acting on 1st person singular, or 3rd person or any plural acting on 2nd person singular. LING: The Inverse prefix is characterized by a surface High tone pattern over the verb. See Payne, Hamaya, and Jacobs (1994). Kírét ɛnkɨ́tɛ̀ŋ. The cow helps you. (W). See: kɨ́- 1PL.

kɨ́-1   [North]: ɨkɨ-, ɨkʉ-. pn.b. Bound pronoun prefix on verbs indicating first person plural subject. The 1PL prefix is characterized by a High-Low pattern over the initial portion of the verb. Kɨ́ntàrɛ̀ átɛ́. We will escort each other. (W). Níkìdùŋùdùŋ ɨlpápɨ́t. We will cut the hairs into pieces. Ɨ́́kɨ́tʉdʉtâ ŋolé kʉná taré. We chose among these sheep yesterday. (SN). Ɨ́́kʉdɨ̀t kʉnâ saên. We will compare and choose among these beads. (SN). LING: Rasmussen (2002) argues that kɨ́- 1PL has the same tone properties as the bound pronominals á- 1SG and ɨ- 2. Outside of subjunctive constructions, all three of these bound pronominals usually surface with High tone due to tone spreading rules. See: kɨ́- Inverse prefix.

kɨ́-2   pn.b. You; bound pronoun prefix on verbs indicating second person singular subject and first person singular object; or third or any plural subject and second person singular object. LING: k(r)- is an "inverse" prefix, meaning that the action goes from a participant "lower" on a participant hierarchy (where 1SG > 2SG > 3/Plurals) to a speech participant (either speaker or hearer). In some aspects, the first person plural prefix is distinguished from the Inverse prefix by the tone pattern over the remainder of the verb. For more details, see Payne, Doris, Mitsuyo Hamaya, and Peter Jacobs (1994), "Active, Passive and Inverse in Maasai". In Voice..., ed. by T. Givón. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.

-kɨ̀   pn.b. First person singular object clitic; me. Ɛ́ncɔɔ́kɨ̀ matárà ɔlárínkóí amʉ̂ káítieu. Let me kill Olarinkoi because I can face him. Nɛ́akʉ ɨ́ntanapákɨ̀ Tell me the last words (before death). (KS).

kʉnâ   Variant: kʉna-. Nom sg: kʉná. Variant: kʉ́nà. dem. 1 • dem. Plural feminine proximate demonstrative; these. Ɛátà kʉná tóyîê ɛnyamáli. These girls are sad. (W). Etápéjókì kʉnâ naaígàrà áàtùmòkì. The rib-meats have been nicely roasted. (W). Ɨ́ntalamáɨ́ ɛnâ kɛ́ráɨ́ dalût amʉ̂ kéíbukóó kʉnâ motorí. Keep off this mischevious child, because he will pour out this soup. (Pk). Míntokíki kʉná kɛ́râ áàùàp inkulîê tɛ̀ níŋamáà impálà. Children stop seizing papers as you wait to receive them from others.

2 • pn.dem. these ones. Ágɨ́rà ashɨlʉ́ eŋúdì áí tɛ̀ kʉ́nà. I am choosing my stick from (among) these. (Pk). See: Pronouns-Demonstratives.

kʉndâ   Nom pl: kʉndá. dem. Plural feminine 1st distal demonstrative; those. Ɛtʉ́mʉ́sánɨtâ kʉndá áídashén olêŋ. Those shoes have become very old. (W). Ɨ́dɛ́mʉ́ kʉndâ ólòŋì kitií Kímpúk? Do you remember recently when we were in Kimpuk? (W). See: Pronouns-Demonstratives.

kundên   Nom pl: kundén. dem. Place plural 1st distal demonstrative; those places, there. See: Pronouns-Demonstratives.

kunên   Nom pl: kunén. dem. Proximate plural place demonstrative; these places, here. See: Pronouns-Demonstratives.

l- [North]   gen. [North] Masculine gender prefix.

l-1   psd.prt. Prefix which occurs on a possessor particle between possessed and possessor nouns, when the preceding possessed noun is masculine. ɨlkɨdɔŋɔ́ lɔɔ́ isirkôn donkies' tails.

l-2   rel. Prefix for a relative clause that modifies a masculine noun. Átɛ́ɛ́kʉ́nyɛ̀ tɛnkárakɛ́ kʉlɔ̂ omón lɛnyɛ́nák lɛ́mɛ́ɨ́shʉ́nyɛ̀. I am bored because of these words of his that don't end. (W). ɨlɔ̂ lɛ́mɛ́átà ɨltʉ́ŋánák lɛnyɛ́nàk one without his own people. LING: l- is the required relative clause prefix for negative relative clauses, but it may also occur in certain positive relative clauses, potentially along with the relative forms ɔ- and -ɔ́ɔ̀. Káɨ́nyɔɔ doí ɨltʉŋanák lɔ́ɔ̀yà? What kind of people will take him? (lit: What (type)/Who are the people who will take him?). LING: Compare the relative prefix ɔ which occurs with non-negative masculine relative clauses. LING: l- is followed by an epenthetic vowel. This vowel is /ɨ/ ~ /i/ if the subsequent vowel in the word is /i/, but otherwise is /ɛ/ ~ /e/.

lɛ́2   psr.prt. Prefixed form of the possessive particle ɛ́. This is used with a masculine possessed item and either a singular feminine possessor; or, since feminine is the unmarked gender in Maa, even a masculine possessor; compare use of both lɛ́/lé and lɔ́ in the following, where the expected form before a plural possessor would be (l)ɔɔ: ɔlkásì lé únoto work of the warrior installation ceremony. Népuonu ɨlmʉ́rrân lɛ́ kʉ́ldɔ tʉ́ŋáná lɔ́ Larinkoi. And warriors from Olarinkoi's people came. See: ɛ́ Of.

lɛnyɛ̂   Nom pl: lɛ́nyɛ. pn.psr. Masculine plural possessive pronoun; 'their'. Ɛshɛtɨ́tà ɨrmʉ́rrân ɨltaɨkân lɛnyɛ̂. The warriors are making their pigtails. (Pk). See: Possessive pronoun paradigm.

lɛnyɛ́na   Nom sg: lɛ́nyɛná. Acc pl: lɛnyɛ̂. Nom pl: lɛ́nyɛ. pn.psr. Third person singular possessive pronoun of plural masculine possessed items, 'his, her (masculine things). See: Possessive Pronoun Paradigm; ɛnyɛ́na His, her (feminine things).

lɨ́dɔ̂   [North] Acc sg: ldɔ̀. dem. Masculine singular 3rd distal demonstrative: that. See: Pronouns-Demonstratives.

a-ló   In some suffixed forms: a-lót. PF, SUBJN: shɔ́mɔ̀. PL: a-púó(n). v.prog. 1 • To move to or toward a goal; move away from a point of reference: go, go to; (sg. subject only). Áló ají. I will go to the house. Ɛɨtʉ́ elo Renóí sukúùl tɛ̀ nkárakɨ́ emueyíán. Renoi has not gone to school because of sickness. Néyookí, nélò aitisha kʉlɨ́kaɨ. Very early in the morning, he went to challenge the others. Ɛ́ncɔ̀ɔ̀ ɛnkayíónì éló aɨrrɨtá ilkuoóo tiáúlùò Let the small boy go herd the lambs and kids outside the village compound. (Pk). Elóítò emótonyí tɛ̀ kepér. The bird is flying in the sky. (Pk). Kájì ílóítò? Where are you going? (W). Níloólò. You will go all over the place. (W).

2 • To walk to (sg. subject).

3 • To go for, go to get (sg. subject). Káygɨ̀l aló nkárɛ́. I will go for water again. (S).

4 • Future time indicator in serial-verb construction (sg. subject). Káló ashʉlarɛ́ pakɨ́tɛ́ŋ láí. I am going to live with my friend. (Pk). Álótú anyá ɛná dáà tɛ̀ náshukúnyè. 'I will eat this food when I return. (W). Náà kéló alikí mɛ́nyɛ́. And he will go and tell his father. (W). LING: For some speakers no /t/ is added in the progressive elóítò (PK), while for others it is elótítò (K). See: shɔ́mɔ̀ Imperative/subjunctive/perfective of 'go'? FIX THIS UP; a-lotú To come; a-mán To walk; a-lilita To walk.

m-1   Variant: ém-; im-; mm-. neg. Negative verb prefix. This imposes a Low tone on the beginning of the verb, evident on Class I verbs. (The Negative Low tone is overridden on Class II verbs by a High stem-initial tone.). LING: Some speakers want to write an initial (e)m- or (i)m- before negative verbs, but frequently pronounce a long initial [mm]. The Negative prefix m- or mm- is most certainly a reduced form of mḿè. Ɨmagórò I will not be angry. Magórò. [Class I verb] I am not angry. (W). Máípírrì. [Class II verb] I am not running. (W). Maátà enkérr, nɛ́máátà enkíné. [Class I verb] I have neither a sheep nor a goat. (W). Mɛátà ɔltʉŋánì óítieu. There is no one who dares (to do something). olkúkúrí ɔsɨ́nyà lɛ́mɛ́dányà a perfect calabash that is not broken. Émiyiolólò doí iyíóók? You do not know us? Manyɔ́rr ɛlɛ̂ áɨ́dɛ́tɨ́dɛ́tànì. I don't like this dreamer. (W). aɨtamán ɨnkɨkʉ́ ɛnkáŋ peê mépúkú inkíshù to surround the kraal with thorny branches so the cows won't come out (Pk). Amʉ̂ mmiyíólò Because you do not know. Meyíéú ɨlMaasáɨ́ ɔlayíónì lɛ́ mɛ̂ ɔlɛ̂ nkáŋ ɛ tɨ́pàt nɛ́akʉ ɔlaigúɛ́nànì. Maasai's do not want a son who is not of a popular home to be the age-set-leader. (KS).

m-2   mood. Subjunctive mood verb prefix, used in the following grammatical contexts:

1 • First person plural suggestions or commands. (First plural subjunctive bound pronoun is High tone á-.). Mátɨ̀pɨ̀k intóyìè sukúùl. Let's put girls in school. Máítoríóí áàìkò injí. Let's do it like this. Máapɛ́ aké níkìpùò áàdùŋùdùŋ ɨlkɨdɔŋɔ́. Let's just go and cut the tails into pieces. Tábòlò inkííyaa inónók; máíniniŋó oróréí lɛ́ nKáí. Open your ears; let's listen to the word of God. LING: According to kk (W), the m- subjunctive form is less direct, and more of a suggestion, than is the Direct (Plural) Imperative ɛ́-.

2 • complements of causative verbs. Káɨ́kʉ́nɨ́tà mɛtɔ́lɔ̀pɨ̀shɔ̀ táatá. I am causing him to vomit (directly or indirectly).

3 • adverbial clauses following the prefix ɔ- 'until'. Nɛ́manáà tɔɔ́ aŋitíé asotú ɨmálàsìn ɔmɛ́ɨ́dɨpá. He goes around the homes to collect (beer) gourds until he finishes. LING: With Class I verbs m- subjunctive forms normally also take the prefixal tV- Subjunctive prefix. With Class II verbs, they do not. Neither Class I nor Class II m- Subjunctive verbs take the Subjunctive -a(k) suffix. See: ɛ́- Imperative, Plural.

má-   pn.b. 1 • Subjunctive mood person prefix, including plural persons. Used following a-jó when it has sense of 'to try'. Néjî mátiakɨ́, "ámaâ kɛ́kʉlɛ́ naáropîl íyíéú anáà kɛ́kʉlɛ́ naáɨ́sʉkʉ̂t?" They tried to tell him, "Do you like fresh or unfresh milk?". Néjî mátààr nɛ́ɨ́sɨk. They tried to kill him but he escaped. See: a-jó To say, try.

2 • First person plural imperative 'Let's ...', covering strong to mild imperative. Mátʉdʉmʉ́! Let's pick it up! Máɨ́sɨká! Let's escape/run away! Máapé! Let's go! (to one person). Máapeití! Let's go! (to many people). See: á- Singular infinitive prefix, subjunctive mood.

n- [North]3   Variant: nk-. gen. [North] Feminine gender prefix.

naá   Variant: náà. prt. 1 • Grammatical particle which partitions a proposition into two parts, indicating (exclusive?) focus of contrast, typically on a phrase that may precede naá; this one and only this one; "and so given all we have said, this is the one"? Rhetorical underlining? Effect of cleft or pseudo-cleft? Iyíé naá áyíéú. I want specifically you (not any other person). (Pk). Eé payé, néjùŋ ɔltásàt, néjùŋ kókó ɛnyɛ́, amʉ̂ órè naá táatá eriyamakinórè naá táatá ɛnâ tásàt kʉná kíbóítare, amʉ̂ mɛátà naá ilayiôk náà tɛ̀ nɨ́àtà órè ɛlɛ̂ ayíónì bótór nɛ́ákʉ́ olólpayíán. Yes, he inherits from the grandfather, he inherits from his grandmother, because THIS particular time when these things happen your mother is together with you [the girl in the home], because she does not have sons, and if you have sons, the senior son belongs to the man (i.e. your own father). LING: amʉ̂ órè naá táatá indicates "because when THIS PARTICULAR TIME, this happened ..". Without naá it indicates "because when this happened...". LING: amʉ̂ mɛátà naá ilayiôk indicates that she has no sons whatsoever who lived to maturity; she never gave birth to any at all (or else they died). There is no question as to what it means. In contrast, amʉ̂ mɛátà ilayiôk could indicate either that she perhaps has sons elsewhere who are not living with her, or perhaps she never gave birth to any sons. Íú kʉnâ kɛ́rà kákè ítíî ɨrá ɛnɛnyɛ́ kákè íntàyù ɔlayíónì ɔ́yâ ŋutunyí láa nɨnyɛ́ táatá, mɛtáà órè itíî íyíé ɛnâ áŋ náà ɛlɛ̂ ayíónì ímpíràrè ɛlɛ̂ lɨ́nkàù. Náà nɨnyɛ́ ejî Oiboó. [ɔ̀làyyónì ɔ̀yà ŋùtùɲí làà nɪ̀ɲɛ́] [ɛnáàŋ] When you give birth to these children, while you are still hers, but you give (command) one boy [lit: your mother today, so that when you are in that home ] who will be taken by your mother, who is going to be the one that concerns you (i.e. concerns your still being retained in your mother and father's home), this first-born. This is the one called Oiboó [lit: the one who prevented]. aɨkáú first-born. LING: Though a contrasted lexical phrase often precedes naá, this is not always the case: Órè naá káɨshɔ ɛnâ kɨ́tɛ́ŋ. Then I will give you this cow (e.g. when you are concluding discussions of which cow should be taken, whether it is the right value, etc.). (Pk). Ɛgɨ́rà oshî táatá nɨ́nyɛ̀ ɔltáání atumokí ámaâ naá enotó esíáì. So-and-so is succeeding because he has gotten a job. (Pk). Órè ɨmbáà ɛ́ nkÁí náà néíjìà aké étíú. The works of God are like that. (KS). Órè ɨsɨŋát ɔɔ́ ntarɛ́ náà ɛyáʉ̀ olkúlùp. The sneezes of the sheep+goats bring mucous. (W).

2 • Particle used to soften or make a command more polite or like a suggestion. Shɔ́mɔ̀ naá ɛndâ ají. Go to that house. LING: Compare Shɔ́mɔ̀ ɛndâ ají. Go to that house!

nékûâ   Nom pl: nekûâ. [North] Acc sg: nokûâ. dem. Feminine plural 3rd distal demonstrative; those. See: Pronouns-Demonstratives.

-ô   asp. Plural perfect(ive) aspect suffix. Enkiní mɛ́nɛ́ŋaní ɛnyɛ̂ kítuputô naárrɨ̀ áàɨ̀tàà ɔlaigúɛ́nànì. It was his young man (corpse) that we annointed those days to be the age-set leader. (KS). See: -^ Plural; -a(k) Perfect(ive) aspect.

   In some suffixed forms: -ɔr. dir. 1 • dir. Motion-away verb suffix.

2 • asp. Distributive aspect. See: -a Away directional.

ɔ-1   Nom sg: ɔ́-. [West] Acc sg: a-. pn.b rel. Masculine singular relativizer; who. Mɨ́ncɔ̀ kɨ́lɛ́jɨ́, amʉ̂ mɛátà ɔltʉŋánì oyíólò ajó etubúlua dúóó. Do not let anyone deceive you because there is no one who knows when he grows. Lmʉ́rránì otupútuakɨ́ alɛ́. This is the warrior who was woken up. Éíniniŋó ɔlɔɨrɔrɨ́tà. Listen to the one who is speaking. (W). Éíniniŋó ɔlɔɨrɔ́. Listen to the one who is going to speak/who always speaks. (W). ɔldóínyó ɔ́ɨ́bɔrr the white mountain (Mt. Kilimanjaro). Álɔ̂ taá ayíónì áadorú? Which of the (two or more boys) [is the one] who will be taller? (W). See: n- Feminine relativizer; ɔɔ́- Masculine plural relativizer.

ɔ-2   Variant: o-. pn.b. North Maa (Samburu) variant of the third person bound pronominal prefix, occurring before stems with back stem-initial vowels; he, she, they. Kóròn nkíshù anapârr. The cows will go without water today. (SN). Kópuonú. They will come. (SN). Kɔ́pʉ́dárɛ́ nanká lpʉrankétì. The cloth/bed sheet is together with the blanket. (SN). See: ɛ- Third person bound pronominal prefix.

ɔ m-   conj. Adverbial subordinate conjunction indicating extent; until. Kéruk ɨlMaasáɨ́ ɛntálɨ́pá ɛ papaí linó o menóto ewúéjì neiŋúaa apá Maasai scrutinize the historical background of your father until they find the place he was from. (KS).

-ok   nmlz. Plural number suffix in agent nominalizations for Advanced Tongue Root stems; variant of -ak.

-oki   In some suffixed forms: -okin. appl. Dative applicative suffix with range of meanings covering benefactive and goal; for, to. See: -akɨ Dative applicative.

ɔl-   [Purko] Acc sg: ɔr-. gen. Masculine singular gender prefix on nouns. LING: The gender prefixes may occur on roots which are not inherently nominal so as to derive nominals: Ɛtámúíyíá ŋolé oloshî áɨ́tɛ́rrání lɛ́ sɔkɔ́nì nɛ́ɨ́tɛ̀rrɛ̀ isáaí aré. The usual market fainter (i.e. person who always faints in the market) because sick yesterday and fainted for two hours. (W). ɔrpááshé fence. Ɔlɛ́nkɨtɛŋ ɛlɛ̂ kɛ́ɛ̀nɛ̀. This big leather strap belongs to the cow. Ɛshɔmɔ́ enkítòk aokunyíé oltóò ɛnkárɛ́ tɔrkɛ́jʉ̀. The woman went to fetch water with a barrel at the river. (Pk). LING: The /l/ is deleted before sonorant consonants. The vowel of the prefix agrees in ATR with following vowels.

órè   conj. 1 • Discourse conjunction used to introduce an adverbial clause which sets a time frame for a following clause or paragraph. The adverbial clause may indicate some degree of discontinuity between ideas or sequences of events: then, while, and now etc. Néjò: "Órè taá enikinkô?" They said, "Now what are we going to do?". LING: Órè may be prefixed with the discourse connective k-. Kórè peê ɛ́dɔ́l iyioó lósowuaní nɛ́arárì áàɨ̀sɨ̀g. When the buffalo saw us, they ran away fleeing. (SN). Kórè ɛdaá nɛ́baʉ. When she is eating, he will arrive. (W).

2 • Indicator of conceptual realization: previously one did not know but suddenly comes to know. Cf: Nɛ́kɛnyʉ́ kíâs ɛntɛ́mátá. Nájádɔ́l kórè imbáà kúmòk, néíŋúàà embólúnotó eoŋwúán. Then the following morning we did the exam. I tried to see and realised that a lot of questions came from chapter four. Nɛ́kɛnyʉ́ kíâs ɛntɛ́mátá. Nájádɔ́l imbáà kúmòk, néíŋúàà embólúnotó eoŋwúán. Then the following morning we did the exam. I tried to see whether a lot of questions came from chapter four. LING: With órè, a statement may sound more polite, while the otherwise-same statement but without órè may sound insisting, as if the speaker is drilling the hearer on some fact. Compare: Órè ɛnâ áshê náà ɛ̀nà âŋ. This heifer is ours. [The assertion is simply presented as new information in an on-going conversation.]. Ɛnâ áshê náà ɛ̀nà âŋ. This heifer is ours. [Implication: the hearer had better realize whose heifer it is, and not forget it.]. See: peê So that.

-ótè   Variant: -étè. In some suffixed forms: -ótèk. voi. Middle perfect(ive) plural suffix. Kénotótekí áànyɔ̀rràkìnò People met together to agree.

-ɔ́yɔ̀   dir. Variant of the 'away' directional -áà. Kɨ́ncɔɔ́yɔ̀ entíto. We will give out the girl (for marriage). Áɨ́shɔ́ɔ́yɔ ɛnkɨ́tɛ́ŋ ánaaké. I give a cow everyday. See: -áà Away.

par-   Noun prefix forming a term of address. Parmúàìn One of many colors; a traditional term of address for God. See: pa- Prefix for term of address.

a-rá   v.s. To be equivalent to, be a member of a set or type. Kárá lɔɔ́ lMásʉla. I am of the lMasula clan (i.e. I belong to the lMasula). (SN). Ɨ́rá ɔláɨ́kɔ́shúàànì. You are a glutton. (W). Márâ nkɛ́ráɨ́. It is not a child. (S). Nɛ́rà intókìtìn nílo aɨŋɔrʉ́ oŋúán. The things you are going to look for are four. Tɛ̀ nínkɛ̀n ilkimojík lɔɔ́ nkáɨ́k pokírà nɛ́rà tɔ̀mɔ̀n nɛ́gɨ̀rà. If you count the fingers of both hands, they are just ten. Tɛ̀ nɨ́ra taá ɔlɔ́ítieu... If you can face (him)... (lit: If you are one who can dare). Órè peê iló ɔrá ɔlmʉ́rránì... If you go as a warrior... Usage: When combined with a predicate adjective ra may indicate a permanent or long-term quality, contrasting with use of the prefix ɨ- which may indicate a more temporary quality (unless combined with the Antipassive -ɨshɔ). Compare: Árá pádán. 'I am a sharp-shooter. (always)' (W), vs. Áɨ́pádàn. 'I will shoot it exactly. (on a particular occasion)' (W). But note the Antipassive with ɨ-: Ɛɨpádánɨshɔ. 'He/she is a sharp-shooter.' (W). See: áâ Be; a-akʉ́(n) To become; táá Be (perfective).

-rɛ   appl. Instrumental applicative verb suffix; indicates that the object of the verb is an Instrument or Associative participant. LING: This is a lexically-determined allomorph of the applicative -ie(k), occurring after the Away directional -a(r) (-o(r)), the Antipassive -ɔshɔ(r). See: -íé Instrumental applicative; -arɛ MID + INST.

ta-   Variant: to-; tɔ-; te-; tɛ-; ti-; tɨ-; tʉ-. asp. 1 • asp. Perfective or perfect aspect prefix on Class I verbs, co-occurring with the suffix -a(k) (or its variant -o(k)). Áatɔnyɔ̂ ɨláɨ́sʉ́ɨsʉ́ɨ́. The ants (sp.) bit me. (W). Áataanyúá néítù abáʉ́. He waited for me, and I never arrived. (W). Etápéjókì kʉnâ naaɨ́gárà áàtùmòkì. The ɛnaɨgárà pieces have been roasted nicely. (W). LING: With certain verb subclasses, the Perfect(ive) yields an inceptive sense. Ɛtáánáʉ́rɛ̀ ɛnkɛráí. The child became sleepy. (W). LING: In its Perfect(ive) function -a(k) can derive predicates from roots that are not inherently verbal. Cf:

2 • mood. Subjunctive mood (imperative) prefix on Class I verbs. Áyia shɔ́mɔ̀ naá tásàyìà ɛnkÁí. All right, go and pray to God. LING: Tone in the imperative varies between dialects. Compare the following singular imperatives with the same root: Tʉ́dʉ̀tà ɛnâ saêî ɔ́ ɛnâ nkáɨ́. Compare this bead with this other one. (K Pk). Tʉ́dʉ́tà nkitábù o nkásèt. Choose either the book or the cassette. (S). Tʉ́dʉtá/Tʉ́dʉ̀tà aná saé ɔ́ ánà nkáɨ́. Compare this (string of) beads with this other (to choose the one you want). (SN). LING: The underlying form is given as tV-, though the prefix vowel may be specified as [+ back]. The vowel harmonizes with the root vowel as follows: If the root vowel is underlying (lexically) -ATR, the prefix vowel agrees completely (aside from tone). If the root vowel is underlyingly +ATR, the prefix vowel is always [+ back]: /tu/ if the next syllable has /u/, /to/ before /i/, and /ta/ before any [-high] root vowel.

-tá   asp. Plural perfect(ive) aspect or subjunctive mood suffix. Kɛ́ɨ́rɔ́bɨ̀ ɛlɛ̂ ŋɔ́nɨ́ mmɛɨtɨamakɨ́ta inkíshú. This bull is not easily sexually aroused so it does not mount the cows. (Pk). LING: In the preceding ex. what is plural is apparently the accusative object, and not the nominaltive subject. ɨnadúóó kíshú nikítereutûâ those cows that we brought.

taá   1 • v.pf. Perfect(ive) form of the verb 'be'. Eé kɛ́sɨ́pà taá. Yes, it is true.

2 • v.subjn. Subjunctive form of the verb 'be'. Ɨnkɛ́rà áainéí ɛ́táá taá nanʉ́ inkólòŋì ánàà peê agɨlʉ́ embénéyíó. My children it is only a few days until I die. (lit: My children it is only a few days so that/until I break a leaf.).

3 • v.subjn. Imagine it could be the case that. Olcúmà taá ɛnyaálɨ̀ mɛtáà íjio ɛnkɨkɛ́! Imagine that it is the iron bar that is chewed to be like a toothbrush. LING: With taá, this sentence gives the idea of 'imagine'. Without taá, it gives the idea that 'if you chew iron, it is conceivable that you could make a toothbrush'. Íyíé taá ólò agór kɛwɔ́n. Imagine you are going to hang yourself.

4 • prt. Form of 'be' used in cleft sentences, questions, etc. indicating exclusive focus. Néjò "Káà taá kiâs?" He said, "What then shall we do?". Káà taá kiâs néínepúakɨ́ iyíóók? What are we going to do, we have been caught? (Pk). Emúóyíáà iloiŋók, kákè mayíólò ajó álɔ̂ taá ósiokí aishíú. The bulls are sick, but I don't know which one will heal first. (W). Órè taá enikinkô ámátàŋàsìè enkóítóí. So then what we are going to do is get to the footpath before them. See: áâ Be.

ɛ́-táá   [West]: ɛ-táá. v. v.aux. 1 • Perfect(ive) of áâ 'be'; to have become. Ɛ́táá taá apá tɔ́tɔ̀nà tɛná âŋ, amʉ̂ ɛ́táá apá nɨnyɛ́ ɛnkâŋ ínyi. You stay in this home because it has become your home. Ɛtáá mʉsánà ɛná mʉ́kàtɛ̀. This bread has become old. (W).

2 • To be about to become. Tʉ́mʉ̀rà shʉ́mátá ɛ́ nkají amʉ̂ ɛ́táá kɛ́shà. Plaster the roof of the house because it is about to rain. (Pk). Ɛ́ntasotú ɨmálàsìn amʉ̂ ɛ́táá kɛ́ɨ́ŋʉrákɨnɨ ɛnapá kɛ́ráí inyî ɨntaléŋò. Collect beer gourds because it is about time for your child to go through initiation. LING: This auxiliary verb does not inflect for person: Ɛ́táá kíŋórùà ɛmpɨ́dɨ́ŋ. You have looked for the back of my neck. (KS). See: a-rá To be; táà Imperative 'be'.

táà2   v.pf. v.subjn. 1 • v.subjn. Suppletive imperative form of a-akʉ́(n) 'to become'. Táà íyie ŋotó nakitéjò, níákʉ̀ íyie ŋotó leuú. You become the mother of the hare, and you the mother of the hyena. (Pk). Táà ɛmáyìàn. Become a blessing. (Pk).

2 • v.aux. Subjunctive auxiliary verb. LING: As an auxiliary ɛ́táà does not vary for person: Olesérè amʉ̂ ɛ́táá kárɛʉ. "Goodbye, because I am going to drive them away.". LING: This defective verb form does not occur in the infinitive, but only in imperative/subjunctive environments (cf. a-akʉ́ 'to become'). See: ɛ́-táá To have become, be about to become; a-akʉ́ To become.

támà   v.pf v.imp. Subjunctive and PF form of defective verb for 'eat'. Átàmà. I ate. See: a-ám To eat.

tɛ̀   prep. Oblique preposition, used to introduce noun phrases or adverbial clauses. It has a wide range of senses, covering the instrumental sense of 'using'; location 'in, at'; 'for' in certain contexts; 'circumstance', etc. With adverbial subordinate clauses, it indicates 'if' or 'when'. Only the associative 'with (a person)' sense is not conveyed by tɛ̀. Ádúŋ tɛ̀ (ɛ)nkalɛ́m. I cut it with a knife. tɛná katá in this time. Nɨ́kɨ̀yàʉ̀ aké tɛ̀ (ɛ)síàŋàù. We will just bring them in a calabash piece. Tɛ̀ nɨ́mɨ́kɨ́ndɨ̀m aɨshɔ́ɔ̀ ɛlɛ̂ kɨ́tɛ́ŋ obô, náà kááɨ̀dɨ̀m aɨshɔ́ɔ̀ kʉlɨkaɨ móŋí aárè. If you cannot give me this one bullock, then I can give you two other bullocks. Ashê olêŋ tɔ̀ kɨ́lɨkúâî linyî. Thank you very much for your (pl.) message. LING: When preceding a noun or relational noun beginning in /a/, tɛ̀ dissimilates to tì: ti-áborí 'to below'. LING: In Central Maa, tɛ̀ cliticizes to the gender prefix of a following noun, keeping the Low tone of tɛ̀ but the vowel of the gender prefix: tɛ̀ + ɛn-kalɛ́m > [tɛnkalɛ́m], tɛ̀ + ɔlcánì > [tɔlcánì]. In North Maa where gender prefixes lack an initial vowel, tɛ̀ must be said to inflect for gender (AND NUMBER?) of the following noun as tɛ̀ still surfaces before feminine nouns, while tɔ̀ or tà surface for masculine nouns: lpáyìàn or ta lpáyìàn 'on the man', but tɛ̀ mɨ́sâ 'on the table'.

tɛ̀ ídíá aló   On that side (e.g. on the outside of a house).

tenébo < tɛ ne-bô   Associative; together. See: tɛná < tɛ̀ ɛná In this; ɔ́ Associative, 'and' 'with'.

tɛ́ɨ́nà   dem. From that, in that (feminine sg.); contraction from tɛ̀ ɨnâ. See: tɛ̀ Oblique preposition; ɨ́nâ that.

tɛnâ   prep dem. 1 • With, at this (instrument). tɛnâ alɛ́m with this knife.

2 • In this time; soon. Álótú tɛná katá. I will come soon.

tɛnákatá   Right now, soon. See: tɛ̀ Oblique preposition; ɛnâ this.

tɛnáà   conj. 1 • If. Tɛnáà taá ílótú tááisérè tólikíókì peê ááányʉ́. If you are coming tomorrow, tell me so that I can wait for you. Nɛ́akʉ tɛnáà náají kéítúrrurri náají ɨnkayîôk áâ ɨláɨ́bártàk... So if boys could be gathered together that are newly-circumcised...

2 • Whether. Shɔ́mɔ̀ ɛldɛ̂ túrrúr otíí ɛndɛ̂ ɨ́ŋurááɨ́ tɛnáà ítʉ́m. Go to that group that is there and see if/whether you can find (st.).

3 • I think so.

tɔɔ́   Variant: toó. prep. Oblique preposition used before plural nouns. Ékíiyíéú ɨnkɨtanyaanyukót tɔɔ́ ltʉŋaná kumók. We need examples from many people. Néponu ɨlmʉ́rrân enetíi toó ltualán. The warriors come to where he is with bells. See: tɛ̀ Oblique.

-tûâ   asp. Plural perfect(ive) suffix indicating that the action is done with direction towards the point of reference; Ventive. Ɛyáutûâ inkítùààk ɛnkárɛ́ áŋ. Women have carried water home. ɨnadúóó kíshú nikítereutûâ those cows that we brought. See: -ta Plural perfect(ive) aspect or subjunctive mood suffix; -ʉ(n) Inventive.

-únyè, -únyìè1   dir voi. Suffix complex containing Motion Towards plus Instrumental Applicative.

-únyè2   asp appl. Suffix complex containing Inceptive plus Instrumental Applicative. órè doí eneyioloúnyè ɛnkɛráí enkishón é mórúáó ɛtúá where the child will know life (issues).

-ʉ́nyɛ̀   dir voi. Frozen suffix combination with Motion Toward (Ventive) plus Middle meaning. Nɛ́ɨshʉ́nyɛ̀ ɛnkátiní âî tɛ̀ ínè. My story ends there. néshukunyíêî amʉ̂ ɛɨdɨpákɨ̀. and people (indefinite) come back because they have finished. LING: TM say -ʉ́nyɛ̀ is invariably "close"; but in our data it harmonizes as a -ATR suffix. See: -ʉ́(n) Ventive; -ɛ̀ Perfective Middle suffix; -árì Motion Away plus Middle.

-ût   adjvz. Suffix which derives a (human propensity?) adjective from a verb. WORK ON THIS. LING: W lacks this ending.

-yi [North]   asp. [North] Inceptive aspect; dialect variant of -ú(n). Kóŋóròyì. It can be stabbed. (SN). See: -ú Inceptive suffix, Central Maa.