The written form of this monosyllabic, tonal
language does not have the same punctuation conventions as in
English; for example, a dash is used to introduce direct speech.
Part 8.
Sentence structure and word order
No inversion of subject and verb in a
question: *They are leaving? 34b.
No impersonal it
subject: *Necessary go. 38d;
64f.
Sentences expressed in English with the filler
subject there use adverb of place and have: *In the garden has many
trees. *Had many people in the class. 30b; 64f.
Subordinating conjunctions occur with a
balancing word in the dependent clause: *Even if I had money, I
would also not buy that car. 34d; 62e.
Nouns and pronouns
No general personal pronouns; pronouns
indicate social status and levels of respect. 44.
Verbs and verbals
Verb form does not change to show tense; time
is conveyed in context: *Next week he leave. 41d.
No -ing
gerund form: *They suggested to travel
by train. 61d; 63e.
Passive voice rare. 42.
Adjectives and adverbs
Adjectives follow nouns and pronouns: *grade
ninth. 45.
Adjectives contain their own verbs, so
be is rarely
used: *The meal delicious. 38c; 41c; 61a.
Articles
Articles exist but are not parallel in form to
articles in English: *He is teacher. 60.
