Paradigm Tables

Below is a formal paradigm for the currently established Fjininya numerals 0–10. I’m treating the cardinal and ordinal forms as separate numeral lexemes, since the forms you've provided do not show a single productive ordinal affix that can reliably derive every ordinal.

Morphophonological Processes Stem Mutation (Infixation/Ablaut): Transforming a Base Interrogative into a Free Relative Stem relies on internal vowel shifts or thematic suffixation (e.g., Wvekjet → Wvtoyji; Foivogtwa → Foifoggma). Particle Cliticization: Jihoug acts as a post-positional clitic that anchors the newly mutated stem into a open-ended free relative clause. Agreement Rules: When used in subject position, animate free relatives (Wvtoyji Jihoug) mandate singular animate verb agreement, whereas inanimate forms (Wajaoja Jihoug) collapse into neuter agreement regardless of plural semantic context.

Morphological & Structural Rules Derivation from Sovi: Sovsije (/sɔv.si.jɛ/) explicitly stems from the Universal Sovi (/sɔ.vi/) using the paucal suffix -sije, lowering "all" down to "several within the set." Syntactic Slot: Quantifiers precede the noun phrase they modify. When modifying scalar predicates (verbs/adjectives), Motsjejsso and Letsjov shift to post-verbal position to act as adverbial intensity markers. Negative Agreement: Nijektve requires the main verb to carry a matching negative polarity marker rather than relying solely on the quantifier for sentence negation.

stem Structure & Morphological Rules Singular Prefix (Öttja't / /øt.jaʔ/): Bound prefix denoting individual self-reference ("self-"). Terminates in a glottal stop (/'t/), giving it a sharp, closed cadence. Non-Singular Prefix (Îgyaja / /iː.ɡja.ja/): Bound prefix denoting collective or plural self-reference ("selves-"). Begins with an elongated front vowel Î- and ends on an open palatal echo -ja, creating an open, flowing rhythm suited for group reference. Base Coupling Rule: Prefix + [Corresponding Possessive Pronoun Base].

Morphological Role: Neither prefix occurs as an independent word; both function as bound reflexive indicators that attach directly to possessive pronominal stems to form reflexive objects (e.g., Öttja't mainen, Îgyaja [Possessive]). Phonological Contrast: Öttja't creates a distinct acoustic boundary via its closed glottal coda (-a't), producing a staccato, individualizing effect suited for singular targets. Îgyaja replaces the abrupt stop with an open, multi-syllabic palatal glide pattern (-ja), allowing smooth, connected vocalic transitions into group possessive forms. Agreement Rule: Öttja't strictly governs singular personal possessives (1st, 2nd, 3rd masculine/feminine/neuter), while Îgyaja strictly governs all non-singular personal possessives (dual, paucal, and plural).

In Fjininya, declaring identity or presentative presence ("It is [X]") pairs the neuter singular subject Eu ("it") directly with the target entity in the Object (Accusative/Dative) case rather than the subject case.

Number Distinction & Hierarchy:Singular (1): Marked by direct, compact roots (Șu, Șojk, Ñgyöma).Dual (2): Characterized by dental stops (-t-, -ẗẗ-) and mid-vowels (-o-, -ö-), reinforcing the paired nature of two targets.Paucal (3–4): Defined by palatal glides and fricatives (-vi-, -ji-), coupled with complex consonant coda clusters (-atsk, -hang-).Plural (5+): Utilizes open, resonant structures (-ệk, -ntu, -ggitara) with rolling liquids (-r-) to signal broader numerical scope.Case Marker Conventions:Subject (Nominative): Typically ends in -ga, open vowels, or velar stops.Object (Accusative): Features heavy codas (-jk, -atsk) or nasal-stop transitions (-mokta, -ntu).Possessive (Genitive): Consistently incorporates labial-nasal markers (-ma) or expansive genitive suffixes (-hang-, -ra).

Grammar Notes & Systemic Rules: 1st Person Fjininya Pronouns 1. Clusivity Architecture Inclusive System (-oar, -ockts, -wasta): Utilizes open diphthongs, rounded vowels, and smooth continuants to phonetically "open" the group to the listener. Exclusive System (-hagtsh, -bacc-, -cot-mäska): Relies on hard geminate stops (/kː/), affricates (/tʃ/), and velar closures to create a strict acoustic boundary, walling off ownership from the listener. 2. Phonological & Orthographic Mechanics Archaic Silent Etymology: In Saighoar (/saː.xaʊ̯ɾ/), the written -i- is silent, serving as an orthographic lengthener for the initial vowel a while requiring a wide, drop-jaw oral production on the second syllable (SAH-hour). Geminate Stop Walls: The double consonant in Saibaccga (/sai.bak.ka/) forces a hard, stressed geminate stop that emphasizes the exclusionary nature of the paucal group. The Majestic Stem Break: The formal state/royal register (Jöggtma) entirely breaks from the standard sai- possessive root, utilizing the sovereign fronted rounded vowel jö- (/jœ/) and heavy velar-dental cluster -ggt-. 3. Paradigm Alignment Matrix Singular: Jag (Subj) | Nvogt (Obj) | Mainen (Poss) Dual Inc: Wejäntt (Subj) | Dätkfyar (Obj) | Saighoar (Poss) Dual Exc: Haijaktt (Subj) | Haijuko (Obj) | Saivhagtsh (Poss) Paucal Inc: Säijo (Subj) | SaÎlvaktsja (Obj) | Saimockts (Poss) Paucal Exc: Savig (Subj) | Vaktshjatsa (Obj) | Saibaccga (Poss) Plural Inc: Wannt (Subj) | Wantskotshja (Obj) | Saivwasta (Poss) Plural Exc: Kwanfts (Subj) | Maigatvakshja (Obj) | Saicotmäska (Poss) Majestic: Vanntsj (Subj) | Nishkotshja (Obj) | Jöggtma (Poss)

Case: Accusative / Dative (Direct & Indirect Object).Number Spectrum: Singular ($1$) $\rightarrow$ Dual ($2$) $\rightarrow$ Paucal ($3\text{--}4$) $\rightarrow$ Plural ($5+$) $\rightarrow$ Majestic/Formal.Clusivity Markers:Inclusive (-fyar, -tshja): Palatal glides and affricates signaling warmth, connection, and inclusion of the listener.Exclusive (-ko, -sa, -shja): Heavy velar stops, sibilant boundaries, or nasal stems ($m-$) marking clear acoustic exclusion of the listener.

Grammatical Architecture & NotesSystem Matrix: Fjininya features a hyper-articulated 1st-person system that tracks Number ($1 \rightarrow 2 \rightarrow 3\text{–}4 \rightarrow 5+$), Clusivity (Inclusive vs. Exclusive), and Register (Standard vs. Royal/Institutional).Clusivity Contrast:Inclusive: Explicitly includes the addressee (Șu / "you").Exclusive: Explicitly excludes the addressee from the speaker’s group.Morphophonological Markers:Inclusive Marker (-ntt / -jo): Rooted in open/collective labial-nasal transitions or smooth palatal offglides (Wannt, Wejäntt, Säijo).Exclusive Marker (-ktt / -fts / -vig): Leverages heavy plosive codas and spirants to build a phonetic boundary against the listener (Haijaktt, Kwanfts, Savig).Honorific Shift: Shifts initial approximant /w-/ to heavy labiodental /v-/ paired with the affricate coda -tsj (/tʃ/) to denote institutional weight (Vanntsj).

The FjinInya second-person pronoun system distinguishes number: singular vs. plural. It also distinguishes case: nominative vs. accusative. Șu /ʃu/ is the second-person singular nominative pronoun. Șojk /ʃɔjk/ is the second-person singular accusative pronoun. Șuệk is the second-person plural nominative pronoun. Șuntu /ʃun.tu/ is the second-person plural accusative pronoun. The four forms form a complete 2 × 2 paradigm for the currently established cases. The forms show historical Finnic and Scandinavian influence, with subsequent developments specific to FjinInya. Șojk contains the open-mid back vowel /ɔ/ and final /jk/ sequence. Șuntu is phonologically syllabified as /ʃun.tu/. The paradigm currently does not include genitive, dative, reflexive, possessive, or other case forms.

Fjininya— Pronoun Paradigm Notes Establish the basic person distinction: 1st person — speaker 2nd person — addressee 3rd person — other participant Establish whether Gotswane distinguishes number: singular plural possibly dual, if we want a more marked system Determine whether 1st-person plural distinguishes: inclusive — “we, including you” exclusive — “we, excluding you” Determine whether 3rd person distinguishes gender, animacy, or noun class. Don't assume masculine/feminine unless the grammar supports it. Determine whether pronouns have case forms. e.g. separate forms for subject, object, possessor, etc. Or case may instead be marked elsewhere in the clause. Determine whether subject pronouns are obligatory. Gotswane could require them. Or verbal morphology could allow them to be omitted. Determine whether independent pronouns and bound/clitic pronouns exist as separate forms. Determine the position of pronouns relative to verbs and nouns. Determine whether politeness or social status affects 2nd-person pronouns. This should only be added if we want Gotswane's social grammar to encode it. Determine whether demonstratives are grammatically separate from pronouns or form part of the same system.