Copular expressions

Copular expressions ("P is a/the Q"), take the form of intransitive verbal constructions where the English LM (the object) is expressed as a Qohenje verbal. In other words, English P is Q becomes Qohenje AUX Q AX-P .

Two kinds of formation are possible, depending on the definiteness of the verbalized argument (the logical LM). The unmarked formation has a definite meaning (unique identification).

Definite constructions

For example,

The TR argument in such formations is invariably in the AX case, as the identifying role of the construction does not permit any kind of agency or affectedness.

Note the distinction between the preceding example, with an AB case mark on the demonstrative, and the following examples, where the demonstrative is AN ,

or IN ,

The last example is necessarily metaphorical, said of a machine that is not cooperating, for instance.

 

Categoriztion/Generalization

The same construction can serve as a kind of categorizing statement ("P is a Q") in which the logical LM is understood as being a single example of a wider category. This function is indicated by suffixing the RHEME marker (see Definiteness) to the verbal lexeme.