A concrete postposition is one which codes a specific semantic relation
born by its complement to its head.
As it is not governed by the latter, the postpositional phrase functions as a modifier.
It generally modifies a verbal or verboidal clause core.
Event-oriented postpositions
An event-oriented postposition indicates an oblique (non-direct) syntactic function of the postpositional phrase vis-à-vis its head.
Participative postpositions
A participative postposition involves or integrates the referent of its complement in the situation thus modified. Postpositional phrases based on such a postposition generally function as adjuncts.
| form | label | meaning |
|---|---|---|
| da | comitative | (together) with N |
| wa | instrumental | with (tool) N, from (material) N |
| wä́së́(ka)/wö́ksë | conductive | moving actor takes N with him |
| yíka | aversive | from, against N; before (time) N |
| E1 | yís | da |
| 1.sg | com | |
| ‘with me’ | ||
| E2 | ják | wa |
| stone | instr | |
| ‘with a stone’ | ||
| E3 | Yaba | tsí̱ne̱ | shk-á=mi̱ | du | wä́së́. |
| child | small | walk-pfv=and | bird |
|
|
| ‘The little boy went away with the bird (i.e. taking it with him).’ | |||||