Adjective

Definition

Adjectives are simple and complex. Simple adjectives are roots such as θí ‘big’, x̌éw̓s ‘new’, p̓ə́q̓ ‘white’, qə́l ‘bad’, and their plural and diminutive forms. Complex adjectives are formed from adjective roots and lexical suffixes. They can appear as a predicate head accompanied by particles only and may be expanded with other elements and can have nominal adjuncts. Adjectives do not have distinctions of aspect. In addition, adjectives appear preceded by auxiliaries less often than verbs, and may appear with nouns in nominal predicates expanded with more adjectives. They may also be preceded by adverbs acting as intensifiers. (Suttles, 2003, pp. 77-85)

Examples

Example in the Halkomelem Context of a Simple Adjective (Suttles, 2003, p. 85)

Example in the Halkomelem Context of a Complex Adjective (Suttles, 2003, p. 85)

Example in the Halkomelem Context of an Adverb Preceding an Adjective (Suttles, 2003, p. 85)

References

Suttles, W. (2004). Musqueum reference grammar. UBC Press. SFU Student Access.