Radestrian

Etymology

From Middle Radestrian gjo, from Old Radestrian ɣo, inherited from Proto-Radic *ɣo, from Proto-Hirdic *gho, from Proto-Laenkean *g(ʱ)e/o(j?)-. The fronting of the vowel in Modern Radestrian is somewhat unexplained, but it is generally thought to have developed through a medial **gjə. Compare also the dialectal gju. Cognate with Lusetian -u.

Pronunciation

Inflection

Inflection of gjø  
person singular plural
first inclusive gjøi gjøs
exclusive gjøte
second humble gjøn
neutral gjøn gjø
third gjøș

Conjunction

gjø

  1. if, whether, introduces the question of a proposition's truth value [with indicative]
    Hjei sjelta, gjøș kad devúl.
    I don’t know if he’s done it.
  2. even if [with subjunctive]
    Stratuos, gjøs rapavú.
    We will fight, even if we die.
  3. or, introduces a choice
    Gjøn hovend vánu, gjøn bist?
    Do you want a cake or what?
    Hjei sjelta, gjøș dzard sjínúl, gjøș drávist.
    I don’t know if she’s written a song or a book.

Usage notes

  • This conjunction adopts all personal agreement from the clause verb, leaving the verb in its depersonal form.
    • The depersonal form of vat in the indicative non-past is ∅, unless emphatic.

Particle

gjø

  1. question-forming particle
    Bist gjøn devúl?
    What have you done?
    Gjøș a hovend devúl lirșu skanþs?
    Has your husband made the cake?

Usage notes

  • This particle adopts all personal agreement from the clause verb, leaving the verb in its depersonal form.
    • The depersonal form of vat in the indicative non-past is ∅, unless emphatic.

See also