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Similarities Cross Linguistically

1 min read · 224 words

I learn languages from time to time and I often notice some specific shared grammatical notions.

Mandarin

Manadarin has a concept of measure words, we got that too but much simpler. For countables (ie fruit, vegetables, small to minute technologies), you can use 'kaĝbe/kaĝbtiin/kaĝbeet' kinda analogous to 个:

  • Kaĝbe qaares (one lemon)

  • Kaĝbtin faqqous (two cucumbers)

  • tleeŧe kaĝbeet ħomṣ (three chickpeas)

For number 2, Mandarin uses one numeral for counting (二 -> ŧniin) and another one for counting items (两 -> zouz) .

To express ongoing actions, you use 在 before your verb which also means 'in; at". We also use 'fi' for indicating progressives which also means 'in; at' but before your object. However, if your sentence naturally lacks an object you use 'qaaĝed/qaaĝde/qaaĝdiin' before the verb.

To express desire, ie 'to want' you use 要 which can also signify 'to take time'. In Tunisian, the verb 'ħabb' means both 'to want' and 'to take time'.

  • Beeş yetşarje, yħebblo zouz sweeyaĝ ("In order for it to charge, it would take 2 hours")

  • 充电需要两个小时 ("So it can charge, it would take 2 hours")

How oddly "couşe" and "烤箱" sound and both meaning 'oven'

Norwegian

The def-indep possession construction is exactly the same:

  • Hunden min (lit:"the dog mine")

  • El kalb mteeĝi (lit:"the dog mine")

'og' sounds like 'w' and they both mean 'and'.