ki: Difference between revisions
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**Likewise with {{tp|A li B ki C e D e E}}, which {{tp|e}} ends the {{tp|ki}} clause? Or can {{tp|ki}} not be used in this position? Or is it unclear? |
**Likewise with {{tp|A li B ki C e D e E}}, which {{tp|e}} ends the {{tp|ki}} clause? Or can {{tp|ki}} not be used in this position? Or is it unclear? |
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{{tp|ki}} acts like a {{wp|relative pronoun}}, similar to English "which", "who", or "that". |
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Ki was used like "who" and "that" as in "the man who" or "the guy that". For example, in the sentene "jan ki moku e kili", "ki" is used to mean "who" in "the man who eats fruit". Ambiguity arises once one begins nesting; "jan ki moku kili li tawa e moli" could mean either "the man who eats fruits is dying" or "the man who eats the moving fruit is dead". |
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{{Example |
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This is why ki became unused; it ambiguated the grammar and allowed nesting sentences. |
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|jan <mark>ki</mark> moku e kili |
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|the man <mark>who</mark> eats fruit |
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}} |
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Ambiguity may arise with more complex sentences, e.g. "{{tp|jan ki moku kili li tawa li pona}}" could mean either "the man who eats fruit moves and is good" or "the man who eats fruit and moves is good".{{citation needed}} This ambiguity is avoided in {{tp|sitelen pona}}, as the scope is marked with an underline connected to the glyph (see [[#{{tp|sitelen pona}}|#sitelen pona]]). |
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As sitelen pona (see below), ki may be less liable to cause problems with ambiguity due to the base-lengthening to encompass what it refers to, but in oral communication and sitelen lasin this ambiguity remains. |
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==Alternatives== |
==Alternatives== |
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Revision as of 17:31, 7 June 2024
| Pronunciation | /ki/ |
|---|---|
| Usage | 2023: Obscure (2% → ) Most speakers don't understand this word.2022: Obscure (2%)
|
| Book and era | No book (post-pu) |
| Part of speech | Particle |
ki is an obscure post-pu particle that marks a relative clause. It is highly nonstandard due to its implications for Toki Pona grammar, making sentences much more complex.
Etymology
The word ki is derived from French qui, meaning "who". It was coined by akesi kon Nalasuni and jan Atenaja in 2020.
Function
ki acts like a relative pronoun, similar to English "which", "who", or "that".
jan ki moku e kilijan ki moku e kili
the man who eats fruit
Ambiguity may arise with more complex sentences, e.g. "jan ki moku kili li tawa li pona" could mean either "the man who eats fruit moves and is good" or "the man who eats fruit and moves is good".[citation needed] This ambiguity is avoided in sitelen pona, as the scope is marked with an underline connected to the glyph (see [[#sitelen pona|#sitelen pona]]).
Alternatives
In standard Toki Pona, ni ("that") can be used to refer to the upcoming sentence, causing it to function similarly to a relative clause.
sitelen pona
A proposed sitelen pona glyph for ki (ki) is derived from that of pi and functions the same way, but the left side is in the shape of a left-facing angle bracket, resembling a flipped li (li) connected to the low line. It was designed by nimi Elemenopi in January 2021.[1]
References
- ↑ nimi Elemenopi [u/ElemenopiTheSequel]. (29 January 2021). "Updated 1b glyphs". r/OffThePu. Reddit. Retrieved 28 December 2023. "[Key: black] = original, made by me".
Further reading
- "ki" on lipu Linku