Details

General

Description and behaviour

Form and usage:

This is a so-called quantitative stem, used to denote a 'whole'. As Kleinschmidt [9] notes: this stem denotes a whole, which is perceived as a unity. Hence, it can also be used in singular.

In contrast, the stem {tamaq}N denotes a whole, which is seen as consisting of multiple parts, and it can therefore only be used in plural. However, the latter seems to be used more commonly today than as {əluuŋŋaq}N to denote both senses of 'whole', thus blurring this distinction.

The present stem may, in fact, have been derived using that affix, although the base is unclear. It is mentioned in the Comparative Eskimo Dictionary [16] under {əlu(ʀ)-}, but they do not explain the origin of the present form.

Inflection

Declension pattern:

Notes on declension:

This affix is a nominative-accusative stem. Thus, it is only used with ergative possessive endings, regardless of whether it is used to denote a Subject or Object; or with prepositional case endings (either possessed or unpossessed). Furthermore, in the 3rd/4th person, it follows a nominative-accusative pattern with 4th person used for both transitive and intransitive Subjects, and 3rd person only used for transitive Objects. See further in the inflection description for {tamaq}N.

Note that, unlike {tamaq}N, the present stem can also be used in singular in the sense of 'whole', so it can also be used with prepositional case endings in singular.

Meanings and examples

Tags

• Stem categorisation / Quantitative stem
• Stem categorisation / Nominative-accusative