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of chi a plural suffix in common use. Hence, pet, “waters,” i.e. a “stream” or “river.” Pe-chi is often heard when reciting traditions or singing songs. |
But perhaps one of the most interesting methods of building up words and one which may not for a moment be ignored or overlooked by the student of this language is exemplified in the following examples. But first let it be understood that He has the sense of “facing”; “fore”; “looking inwards”; “tending towards one”; “in front.” Ho has the opposite meaning of “off”; “away from”; “behind”; “back.” Shi has a reflexive and intransitive force and perhaps represents the infinitive mood. With these words as keys we will take the three following compounds as illustrations.
| (1) | Maka, v.t. To open; to clear away.
Shimaka, v.i. To have cleared away of itself. Hemaka, v.i. & adj. To turn from but with the face looking upwards and forward. Homaka, v.i. & adj. To clear off; to go away entirely and leave an open space. |
| (2) | Noye, v.t. To wind; to twist.
Shinoye, v.i. To twist by its own power. Henoye, v.i. & adj. To be twisted; wound up. Honoye, v.i. & adj. Twisted back out of place. |
| (3) | Pirasa, v.t. To spread out.
Shipirasa, v.i. To spread out of itself. Hepirasa, v.i. & adj. To open up as a flower from the bud. Hopirasa, v.i. & adj. To fall apart as one’s coat or dress when blown by the wind. |
Such words as these show great development of speech and the nicities shown in them will be duly appreciated by any lover of philological research.
