Language Structure Problems

Plurals

Quechua

Using the data below, explain how the plural is formed in Quechua. (These data are given in rough English equivalents rather than in phonetic transcription. The 'q' however, represents a uvular stop..)

1. rumi - stone
2. wawa - son
3. tika - flower
4. pacha - dress
5. qowi - guinea pig
6. rumikuna - stones
7. wawakuna - sons
8. tikakuna - flowers
9. pachakuna - dresses
10. qowikuna - guinea pigs

Zulu

Here is one way Zulu forms plurals. Explain how this is done.

1. ingwenya - alligator
2. inyoni - bird
3. inkunzi - bull
4. inja - dog
5. inkawu - monkey
6. izingwenya - alligators
7. izinyoni - birds
8. izinkunzi - bulls
9. izinja dogs
10. izinkawu - monkeys

Postanalysis Questions

1. Compare how plurals are formed in English, Zulu and Quechua.

2. The word 'rapikuna' means 'leaves',
a. What language is this word from? How do you know? Can you be sure?
b. Assuming your answer above is correct, what is the word for 'leaf' in that language?

3. The word 'manka' means pot.
What language is this word from? How do you know? Can you be sure?