Before we can get to writing sentences, we have to introduce Timucua definite and indefinite articles. We have already stated that Timucua word order is SOV and that adjectives follow the noun. Now let’s briefly consider definite and indefinite articles.
Definite Article
A definite article signals that the noun or noun phrase refers to a particular member of a group, or is identifiable. Typically, the definite article is used to refer to a topic previously introduced that the listener would already know about. In English, “the” is a definite article. For example, when we say “the man ran,” we know we are referring to a specific man, not to the entire human race. In Timucua the suffix -ma works as a definite article. It attaches itself to the end of the noun phrase.
Consider the examples from Lesson 1.
Nia yayi/strong woman
Nia hachitalaca/rich woman
- Ano yayi/strong person
What happens if we add the suffix -ma?
- Nia yayima is now “the strong woman”
- Nia hachitalacama is now “the rich woman”
- Ano yayima is now “the strong person
Adding the suffix -ma creates specificity in the noun phrase, and makes it clear that we are talking about one specific strong woman, rich woman, or strong person.
Indefinite Articles
An indefinite article signals that the noun or noun phrase is nonspecific. Typically, the indefinite article introduces new topics. In English, “a” and “an” are indefinite article. For example, when we say “a man ran,” we are referring to a man who is new to the discussion, not one who is previously identifiable. In Timucua the suffix -lete, -leta, and -nco are the most common indefinite articles. They also appear at the end of the noun phrase. The suffixes -lete and -leta act fairly interchangeably and seem to be different spellings of the same word. However, -nco is a little different, being used for relative clauses, as will be explained in a future lesson.
Let’s consider the examples from Lesson 1 again. This is what happens if we add the the suffixes -lete, -leta, and -nco:
- Nia yayilete is now “a strong woman”
- Nia hachitalacaleta is now “a rich woman”
- Ano yayinco is now “a strong person”
Now that we know how to form definite and indefinite articles… let’s make some sentences.