Question Formation
1 min read · 119 words
Questions always begin with the hand sign for "you": the non-thumb side of the slightly cupped hand towards the person being asked the question. The word "you" (oo) is also said out loud, tied to the conjugated action of the question, which is followed by the question word (where, how, etc.). In advice questions, the action is "think." Details proceed this structure. Question end is denoted by an opening of the facial features (slight raise of eyebrows and opening the eyes) but no hand sign.
Examples:
English | “Where should we look to find Avi?” |
Translated | “You-think where we-look find-Avi?” |
Shavnal (V) | “(Oo) Oo-fioas awam ah-shalanash ijo-Avi?” |
Shavnal (H) | OO |
English | "This eel is great! How did you make it?" |
Translated | "Eel tastes-great! You-made how?" |
Shavnal (V) | "Asharo iomarario! (Oo) Oo-marisas rar?" |
Shavnal (H) | ---OO |