dhè (Relational Particle)
dhè
Grammatical function
- Particle type: Relational Particle (NPCP)
- Function: Topic / Patient Marker (Passive Voice Indicator)
- Meaning: Marks the preceding noun as the primary focus of the sentence and the receiver of the action. It promotes the Object to the Topic position (O-S-V structure).
Usage Notes
Used to construct the Passive Voice. The noun marked by dhè is the semantic patient but functions as the syntactic topic.
- Structure:
dhè [Patient] + [Agent] + [Verb]
Pronunciation
IPA: /ðə/
Example sentences
Standard Passive: Dhè kjèpo Tom zèchỏnů. The tree was chopped by Tom. (Lit: As for the tree, Tom chopped).
Agentless Passive: Dhè shěso zètopu. The book was dropped.
Alternative forms
x
Etymology
A phonological shift from då (Recipient/Beneficiary) and to (Subject). It combines the “Receiving” nature of då with the “Topic” status of to.
Synonyms
x
Antonyms
- to (Subject / Agent Marker).
Derived terms
Null