A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE ...

outside the imperative construction nor sequencing function. The use of mii and izhi in
this way is, therefore, characterized here as idiomatic. My consultants also report that the
use of the emphatic clitic -go is optional, showing that forms such as mii izhi-gidaanawen
are grammatical as well.
3.2.1.3 awenh, inenh
Mystery particle awenh is used to deny prior propositions, and always occurs in
initial position, and is usually followed by a pause (marked in examples by a comma). It
may occur alone as well. An example of this lone usage was when one of the elders was
complaining about the state of the language, and made the comment that there weren’t
any more speakers left. To this, another elder interjected with a resounding: Awenh!
‘Nuh uh!’. An example of awenh within texts is given below.
(70) Denying particle awenh
a) (Mille Lacs Sessions)
Awenh!
DM
‘Nuh uh!’
b) (Clark 1998:8, audio)
Awenh, gaawiin-sa niin wiikaa zhiiwitaagan gemaa-ge iw waasamoomakakoons
nuh uh not-DM I ever salt or-also that battery
ige ingimoodisiin.
also I didn’t steal
‘Nuh huh, I never stole any salt or battery.’
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