waj
Keywords: comparisons, superlatives, modifiers
Pronunciation (IPA): | waj |
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Part of Speech: | modifier |
Class: | tight binding, comparative |
Forms: | waj, wajy |
Glosses: | as, equal to, EQ |
Description:
The tight binding modifier 'waj' is used to introduce 'as' or 'equal to' comparisons. See attached article for more information.
Adjective:
With nouns, it can be used on its own, in which case the thing compared to is inferred from context, or is can be used with the preposition 'erba' to introduce the object compared to. If used on its own it stays with its object, based on whether its object must go inside or outside the bracket. If used with 'erba', then it leaves the bracket, and the 'erba' clause goes with it immediately following.
Adverb:
As an adverb, the loose-binding form 'wajy' ['waj.ə] form comes into play. The comparison operator can introduce a thematic argument of the verb, directly modifier the verb, or directly modify another adverb. In the former two cases, 'wajy' is required so that it can take an object other than another modifier, and/or apply to the whole verb phrase. Otherwise, it acts much as it does as an adverb, with 'erba' introducing an optional object of comparison - the object of erba can also be a dependent clause introduced by 'sin'.
As a sentence-level adverb, 'wajy' also serves to introduce useful side information about the main clause, much in the manner of 'as you know' type of expressions in English. It does not have the 'at the same time' or 'while' sense that 'as' has in English, however.