Gary Shannon wrote:
>> > Here is my first sketch of how to handle verb
>> > tense in my isolating project:
>> >
>> > Past perfect particle "dao": "Ele dao kuran."
>> > ("He had run.")
René Uittenbogaard wrote:
>> I'd expect "Ele sona dingau kuran", combining the
>> tense particle "sona" with the aspect particle
>> "dingau". Was "dao" intentionally
>> chosen to replace this combination?
>
> I wish I could say I was clever enough to have done
> that on purpose. But alas, my formal knowledge of
> grammar is very sparse. On the other hand, since even
> the most complex grammars in the world were "designed"
> through daily use by people who had no knowledge of
> grammar whatsoever, perhaps I am just ignorant enough
> to make design choices that are more "natural." ;-)
It sounds natural indeed. And as long as you're not aiming
for a 100% isolating language, keeping a few irregularities
here and there can only make your language more charming :)
(Yes, I like irregularities - just look at the table of
personal pronouns in Calénnawn :P )
Éylo,
René