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414
It is interesting that some verbs must have a proclitic
when used figuratively with certain inanimate subjects,
especially in negatives. If the proclitic is omitted, the
sentence sounds strange because it implies that the
inanimate subject does something that it cannot actually do;
such an activity can only be done by human and animal
subjects.
pajoh 'to eat' (when used with things that cut)
isap 'to suck' (when used with pipes or porous objects
that can suck liquid)
p'iep 'to suck' (same as isap)
mat 'to hold' (when the object is liquid, soot, dirt,
or greasy material)
theun 'to undergo, to hold'
100. a) Nyan sikin nyang ji-pajbh karet.
That knife which 3-eat rubber
' That is the knife that cuts rubber.'
b)*Nyan sikin nyang pajoh karet.
That knife which eat rubber
' That is the knife that eats rubber (literally
eats by chewing in the mouth).'
101. a) Nyoe keureutah nyang ji-mat daweuet.
This paper which 3-hold ink
'This is the paper that holds ink (can be
written on it with ink).'