Ilokano particles

Ilocano particles are an aspect of Ilocano grammar. Particles in and of themselves lack a meaning independent of a phrase or clause. For the most part, they impart meaning to the phrase or clause in which they occur.

Ilocano has two morphological types: enclitic and independent.

Enclitic particles are very similar to the enclitic pronouns, in that they are tightly bound to the previous word with which they have a close relation. And, similar to the pronouns, their form depends on the last sound of the preceding word. These particles occur primarily with the Predicate of the sentence or clause.

The punctual particle lends the meaning of completion and punctuality or amazement. The speaker asserts that the idea expressed in the predicate is completed, or to emphasize that it is currently underway. Or, it can express an intense emotion.

The particle lends the meaning of now, presently, with progressive formations.

In the negative, the particle has the meaning of any more.

Or, that a decision was made.

With the perfective, the idea is that the action had completed before the utterance.

When used in conjunction with the Future Particle -(n)to, the idea is that the action will have been completed some time in the future, in other words, a future perfect.

Nouns do not show aspect, in other words, completion or non-completion. Nevertheless, noun predicates with -(e)n express some form of perfective aspect and assertion of a fact. Also, -(e)n can impart the speaker's surprise that the fact is contrary to previous assumptions.

In example 1, the speaker is amazed. The speaker could have assumed that it was going to be another type of building. In example 2, the speaker had not visited Julia for a long time.

Pronouns used with this particle stand out among a set of others.

Similar to nouns, -(e)n imparts perfectiveness.

The perfective particle commonly accompanies the Nag- formation and adds further emphasis and adds wonderment.

The speculative particle lends the meaning of speculation or wonderment or uncertainty on behalf of the speaker.

When used with -(e)n, the speculation is about something that may have occurred in the past, but the speaker is not sure about the validity of the statement.

The future is expressed with -(n)to attached to the Neutral form of the verb.

It has two forms:

Examples:

Independent particles are words in their own right and do not attach to the previous word.

Respect particle. Used in addressing superiors or strangers. It can be used with titles of family members, their names or titles of authority.

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