Ákat objects: shards that shape the tool

Oblique object phrases help to clarify the action in a clause. They can be used to show where, when, why, how, with whom and for what purpose the direct objects are directing or receiving an action.

All oblique objects are introduced by an oblique particle. These are similar to the modifier particles discussed on the object phrases webpage. Unlike modifier particles, some oblique particles are expected to adapt to the word they cliticise to - either by modulating their vowel to harmonise with the first vowel of the concept root, or by reduplication of the first consonant of the concept root, or both.

These particles handle a range of relative movements and positions (both in time and space) between agent/patient objects and the oblique objects, and also relative movements and positions of the agent/patient and the current point of view. In Ákat, the current point of view is normally that of the speaker/writer, unless the speaker/writer has made it clear in the recent discourse that they are referring to someone else's point of view.

Where vowel harmonisation occurs, the oblique particle will change to match the vowel of the core concept of the oblique's head object: y, o, u in the core concept require particles to use o; other vowels in the core concept (a, e, i) require the oblique particle to use i.

Consonant harmonisation is triggered by the core concept's lead consonant: where necessary, fricatives (f, s, x, c) require the oblique particle to use s, while stops (p, t, k, q) require it to use t.


This page was last updated on Tecunuuntuu-16, 527: Salhkuu-91 Gevile