Difference between revisions of "Language/Ewe/Grammar/Negation"

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| nye me || /ɲɛ mɛ/ || No one   
| nye me || /ɲɛ mɛ/ || No one   
|-
|-
| nye o || /ɲɛ ɔ/ || Nothing  |-
| nye o || /ɲɛ ɔ/ || Nothing   
| vinye eve || /vi.ɲɛ ˈɛ.vɛ/ || Never |-
|-
| kple nye a || /kp͡le ɲɛ a/ || Nowhere  |-
| vinye eve || /vi.ɲɛ ˈɛ.vɛ/ || Never  
|-
| kple nye a || /kp͡le ɲɛ a/ || Nowhere   
|-
|}
|}



Revision as of 19:57, 5 March 2023

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Ewe Grammar - Negation

Hi Ewe learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about Negation. Negation is the act of making negative sentences, which negate (deny) the existence or truth of something.

Negation is important because it allows us to add more complexity to our sentences, express negation or denial, and confirm or deny something. Learn more about Ewe Grammar.

Negating Verbs

To negate verbs, the word "nye" or "eme" is added after the subject. "nye" is used in the present and imperfect tenses while "eme" is used in the perfect and pluperfect tenses.

Ewe Pronunciation English
Mawu nye dzide /ˈmawu ɲɛ d͡zi.dɛ/ God does not exist
Lisa eme dzodze /ˈli.sa ˈɛ.mɛ dzo.dze/ Lisa did not come yet
Mi tso nye shishiwo /mi t͡so ɲɛ ʃi.ʃi.wɔ/ I do not eat yam
Mi yra eme fia /mi ja.ra ˈɛ.mɛ ˈfi.a/ I have not traveled

Negative Pronouns

Negative pronouns are used to replace the noun in a negative sentence. They are used only in negative constructions. Here are some examples:

Ewe Pronunciation English
nye me /ɲɛ mɛ/ No one
nye o /ɲɛ ɔ/ Nothing
vinye eve /vi.ɲɛ ˈɛ.vɛ/ Never
kple nye a /kp͡le ɲɛ a/ Nowhere

Negative Adjectives

In Ewe, negative adjectives are formed by adding the prefix "a-" before an adjective. This prefix transforms a positive adjective into a negative adjective. Here are some examples:

Ewe Pronunciation English
agbleoo /aˈɡblɛɔ/ bad
alikuu /aˈli.ku.u/ ugly
atsofui /aˈt͡so.fu.i/ difficult
adzi /aˈd͡zi/ nothing (to be) happy about

Dialogue

  • Person 1: Mi nye fiawo lokui. (I didn't go to the market.)
  • Person 2: Wokpɔla! Nyɔnu dzeŋu lɔhe. (Okay! What did you do instead?)
  • Person 1: Mi emewɔ tsofiaga. (I didn't eat fufu yesterday.)
  • Person 2: Wofasa! Dzi gbe kuku? (Sorry! Was there no food at all?)

Tips for learners

- When negating a verb in a sentence, always use "nye" in the present and imperfect tenses, while "eme" is used in the perfect and pluperfect tenses.

- When using negative pronouns, remember to use them only in negative constructions.

- Negative adjectives are formed by adding the prefix "a-" before an adjective.

- To improve your Ewe Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

Sources

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