Proto-Ukilen

Grammar

Nouns

Noun cases

Vocative

The vocative in Proto-Ukilen is used for more than simple addressing. Another usage it has is for compounding / modifiers. This usage corresponds to the of in 'juice of orange'. Another usage is for demonstratives, like 'this' and 'that'.

For an example of the compounding usage, binkhə-mu bhuŋðɑŋ cat-VOC.ANIM.SG tooth, 'tooth of cat'.

For an example of the demonstrative usage, binkhə-mu cat-VOC.ANIM.SG, 'this cat' or 'that cat'.

Comparison of the vocative with the genitive

One may confuse the modifying usage of the vocative with the genitive, but they are used for different situations. The genitive is used for possession.

For example, bɑɹhuk-ka:ʒ goz fish-GEN.ANIM.SG eye, "fish's eye".