Láadan/Lessons/6

Láadan The Goal and Source markers (to, from) Previous Page Next Page Introduction In English, we use prepositions like "in", "at", "on", "to". In Láadan, these concepts are conveyed through suffixes. The Goal marker: -di Pattern: [(Aux) Verb (Neg) CP-S (CP-O) CP-GOAL] The Goal case phrase is where something is directed. This could be in a direction of travel, or towards some recipient. Examples Láadan English Vocab words Bíi sháad le bethedi wa. I am going home. sháad = to come/to go, beth = home Bíi eril ban le doyuth háawithedi wa. I gave the apple to the child. eril = past, ban = to give, doyu = apple, háawith = child The Source marker: -de Pattern: [(Aux) Verb (Neg) CP-S (CP-O) CP-SOURCE] Sentences using the verb "sháad" (to come/to go) will be very similar to each other, and the only way to tell a "come" from a "go" is based on whether the Goal or the Source marker is used. Examples Láadan English Vocab words Bíi eril sháad le bethedi wa. I came home. sháad = to come/to go, beth = home Bíi eril sháad le bethede wa. I came from home. sháad = to come/to go, beth = home Alternative to -di For some people, -de and -di might sound too alike. If you prefer, you can use -dim instead of -di. (Suzette Haden Elgin A First Dictionary and Grammar of Láadan, Second Edition 1988 30) Notes