Popoqi

Classification and Dialects
Analytic, null-subject, head-initial language spoken by the Popoqi people. Language is very focused on multiples of three and seven, thought to be sacred numbers (i.e. three genders, seven moods). Also has a focus on motion, so adjectives are verb-like and many idioms relate to movement.

Phonotactics
Syllable Structure: (C1)3(w)V(C2)3
 * All syllables have a nucleus
 * No onset w, u, or o
 * If onset cluster’s first consonant is not a fricative, following must be l or w
 * If coda cluster’s first consonant is fricative, following must be plosive OR
 * If coda cluster’s first consonant is m, following must be p OR
 * If coda cluster’s first consonant is ŋ, following must be k, q, s, or ʃ
 * No consonant gemination
 * Onset diphthongs limited to au, ai, ei
 * Coda diphthongs limited to oi, au, ai, ua, ue

where C1 = plosive, nasal, fricative or affricate

where C2 = plosive, approximant, or lateral approximant

where w only follows a consonant and is not onset

where onset V = front vowels

Syncopes:

-ŋVk/q becomes -ŋk/q

-sVk becomes -sk

ʐVl- becomes ʐl-

Nouns
Pluralized using suffix -ad or -de

Relating to the self: -(a)ki

noun – adj.: -iq

noun – noun-relating adj.: -ichœm

noun – verb: -isk

place: -iqyom

augmentative: iqta-

diminutive: po(p)-

Possessives
To refer to plural possessives (ownership of more than one thing) add suffixes -de (for first person sing. and third person sing. only) or -ad

Verbs
Three types: -apla, -ipsha, -eshla

Seven moods: indicative, conditional, subjunctive, jussive, infinitive, gerundive, participle

Four tenses: past, present, future, pluperfect

verb – adj.: -(ė)tsėm

verb – adj.: -(ė)dala

verb – noun: -(a)plœm

verb – place noun: -(a)plœdit

Three main verbs: shbeshla, to have; ashtapla, to be; iskipsha, to feel

Seven moods and four tenses: ex. aqipsha, to eat

Helper verb ashtapla is conjugated in present indicative for other tenses

Adjectives
Follow nouns

adj. – adv.:  –(e)pi

adj. – noun:  –(a)lu

adj. – verb: -(o)nda

Numbers
Octal system; gematria is popular

Syntax
OSV

Verb-like adjectives; noun-like adpositions

Articles: indefinite and definite (sg. and pl.)

Determiners and numerals precede nouns, possessors and relative clauses follow

Place-Manner-Time No word for yes or no. Simply "correct," "wrong," or nod of (dis)agreement I agree (tsiko) and I disagree (tseikingo) are used for all persons no matter size Weather is viewed as part of the Earth, so rain/snow/etc. is described as something in motion: "the rain carries/is carrying" rather than "it is raining"