Pronouns Part 1 "Sakan"

In this lesson, I will be covering the first pronoun: "I/me"

If there is anything complicated about Ybanag, aside from pronunciation and a few verb conjugations, it would be in the use of pronouns, especially "I/me". So let's get started.

"I/me" in Ybanag is "Sakan or So`" However, there are different forms used in conjunction with different verbs or nouns. Here are some ways you can say "I"

• ku
• na'
• ' *this is a glottal stop produced after a vowel.
  
• so'
• sakan

"Ku" anna "na' "

As far as I am aware, the use of "I" is very particular and each of the forms of "I" needs to be properly used with the correct verb. Otherwise, you end up with a completely different meaning.

The general rule seems to be that if another verb along with "nga" follows the initial verb, the pronoun "ku" should be used.

Meku nga innan yayya - I will go see him/her.
Meku nga gatangan yari aritu' - I will go buy the earrings.

If a demonstrative follows the verb, "ku" should also be used.

Alegakku yari bola - I'm looking for the ball.
Ariakku yaw sapatu' - I'm taking my shoes off.

If a noun follows the initial verb, "na' " should be used, especially when markers like "ta" follow.

Kumanna' ta mangga - I am eating mango.
Maggayamna' ta majong - I am playing mahjong.
Mangalekna' ta manguffun niakan - I'm looking for someone to help me.

In some cases, "na' " will also be used when a second verb follows as long as the second verb is conjugated with "ma__"

Umayna' mamalasa ta plasa - I'm going to do groceries at the market.

Most times when you are referring to "me", "na' " will be used.

Danna' ta danum - Give me water.
Agalanna' sonu umma - Call me tomorrow.
Gatanganna' ta balay - Buy me a house.
Uffunanna' - Can you help me?

" ' "

This glottal stop is usually applied when verbs end in a vowel.

Ginadwa' yari sandia - I split the watermelon.
Ginakko' yayya - I hugged him/her.

"So' "

"So' " is used when you want to emphasize that it is you that is speaking or is doing the action. Words such as "Y" and "laman" tend to follow this pronoun.

So' y mine nga nanguffun nisa - I am the one who helped her.
So' laman ngana - Just let me do it.

So' can also be used when referring to "me" but with more emphasis.

Dammu so' ta danum - You give me some water.
Uffunammu so' - You help me.

"Sakan"

"Sakan" can also be used interchangeably with "so'" but usually used in response to questions such as "Who did it?" or "Who ___?" However, sakan will never be used with a conjugated verb. It is also used in passive forms.

Sinni y kiminan ta balukku? - Who ate my food?
Sakan - It was me/I!
Sakan y nanga ta danum - I'm the one who got the water.
Sakan y nagidda ta katri - I'm the one who laid on the bed.

At the same time, "Sakan" can also be used to refer to "me". However, be careful when using this because in phrases such as these following, you may appear rude.

Dammu sakan ta danum - You give me some water.
Uffunammu sakan - You help me.

Vocabulary
Verbs
Umay - To go
Innan - To see
Gumatang - To buy
Alegan - To look/search/find
Arian - To remove
Kuman - To eat
Maggayam - To play
Dan - To give
Mangagal - To call
Manguffun - To help
Maggadwa - To split/cut in half
Maggakko' - To hug
Manga' - To get/take
Magidda - To lay down

Nouns
Aritu' - earrings
Bola - ball
Sapatu' -shoes
Mangga - mango
Majong - mahjongg
Balay - house
Danum - water
Katri - bed
Sandia - watermelon
Plasa - market place/ usually a wet market

Thanks James for the corrections (I will fix this soon)