Details
General
| Morphemic form: | {-kiaq} |
| New orthography: | -kiaq |
| Old orthography: | -kiaĸ |
| Sources: |
[9]
[11]
[10]
|
| Combinations: | Click here |
Description and behaviour
Form and usage:
According to the Comparative Eskimo Dictionary [15] , this enclitic is used to express wonder, although, as with many other enclitics, its meaning can be difficult to pin down exactly. For example, Kleinschmidt [9] translates it as 'yes' instead, even though his examples are with question-words, which seems to support the translation of 'wonder'. Schultz-Lorentzen [10] does not translate it at all, but just notes that it is used for an exclamation.
However, there are also examples that seem to point in another direction; for example asukiaq, 'I don't know'. This exclamation is the verbal equivalent of a shrug, indicating that the speaker does not know, or maybe just does not want to answer.
The enclitic is not mentioned in Oqaatsit [13] , so it may not be used productively today. However, the Comparative Eskimo Dictionary notes that it is used in North, East and South Greenland, so it may still be productive in these dialects.
Meanings and examples
Used in exclamations.
- kinalikiaq, who (I wonder) is that?
[9]
- sunalikiaq, yes, but what?
[9]
- soorlikiaq, yes, surely
[9]
From suu, 'yes'.