Details
General
| Morphemic form: | N{suk}N |
| New orthography: | +suk |
| Old orthography: | -suk, -ssuk |
| Sources: | [16, 12] |
| Combinations: | Click here |
| Left sandhi: | Default,
|
| Right sandhi: | Default/none,
|
| Inflection sandhi: | Default/none,
|
| Stem type: | Regular k-stem |
Description and behaviour
Form and usage:
This is a non-productive morpheme found in some lexicalised words. According to the Comparative Eskimo Dictionary [16], it derives from a morpheme {yuɣ}, alternating with {ðuɣ}, 'something resembling N'.
Left sandhi:
According to the Comparative Eskimo Dictionary N{-aqcuk}Nyuɣ, ðuɣ.) }}, the historical morpheme {yuɣ} alternated with {ðuɣ}, although it is not explained which contexts would triggering this alternation. However, this is also reflected in Kalaallisut, where this affix sometimes appears as -ssuk in the old orthography, i.e. as N{cuk}N instead of N{suk}N. See for example the affix N{-aqcuk}N and N{-sukcuk}N.
As the affix is non-productive, and all these combinations are lexicalised, we shall not here attempt to account for this alternation here, but merely note that it appears to have happened in some cases.
Inflection
Declension pattern
| Declension type: | up-declined |
| Declension sandhi: | Default/none |
| Stem before consonant | Stem before vowel | Notable forms | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New orthography | +suk | +su |
+suk
+suup
+suit
|
| Phonemic orthography | suk | su |
suk
suup
suit
|
Notes on declension:
In Ordbogeeraq [12], it is mentioned that the plural form is -suit as expected. Hence, we assume stem declines as an up-declined regular k-stem.
Meanings and examples
- inussuk, cairn
[11]
I.e. a pile of stone to mark a path in the mountains. From inuk, 'human', so literally 'something resembling a human'. Old orthography: inugsuk.
- marlussuit, a pair; two pieces
[11]
From marluk, also in singular: marlussuk, 'two numbers/figures'. Old orthography: mardlugsuk.