The Universal Number in Beddelʃæðem
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A demonstration of how the universal number functions in Beddelʃæðem in 1P, 2P, and 3P
This public article was written by [Deactivated User] on 10 Aug 2018, 15:22.
[comments] bdsgrammar
?FYI...
This article is a work in progress! Check back later in case any changes have occurred.
This article is a work in progress! Check back later in case any changes have occurred.
Beddelʃæðem has three grammatical numbers: singular, plural, and universal, all three of which can be expressed in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd persons. In each person, the universal number's referent is roughly "all humans." The uses of the universal number are as follows:
First person
Second person
The second-person universal is most commonly used as an imperative form when a specific addressee is indefinite or universal (hence the name). Thus, this form is often found on signage. In such instances, the 3rd-person universal nominative pronoun ʃef is used before the verb. The verb conjugates with the suffix -(h)o.
If, however, the imperative has a specific addressee, no subject pronoun is used. This structure is akin to what is called by laypeople as the "you-understood" in English.
Go.
Ifuho.
By contrast, if the addressee is "we" (in other words, the hortative mood as expressed in English with "let's"), then the 1st-person plural nominative pronoun me is used before the verb.
Let's go.
Me ifuho.
Third person
This construction is particularly useful in a world with more than one sentient species, each with its own language, such as Ðeleri, where Beddelʃæðem is spoken.
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Saƕœ bepup miŋeyn lhe þril ezazi rhi ðiŋ ðayðoffoyneŋ þril get croþ.
They are endowed with reason and conscience.
Zay baleyn in gic yput þril cap lhaybhayðot.
I never thought I would have to tell someone not to put a muffin in their nose.
Fleyp gaf ðemiraŋu sræset o fleyp zenu ni ce ðerœƕœ o zæf gaf ʃipa nœf gic ðœnut o ðiŋ tehæhu rhi ziðe ðybæsehu. ✎ Edit Article ✖ Delete Article
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