Nyakityarr-kat ninyam takin?
Why did you hit him?
Pronunciation:
Say: Nyah-kiity-arr-kart niiny-arm tark-in?
Notes:
Vowels: Standard - 'a' as in ‘path’, ‘i’ as in ‘hit’.
Consonant combination - 'ny' (palato-nasal) combine 'n' and 'y' while top of tongue touches hard palate plus nasal vibration. (Avoid the English 'nee' as in 'many'), - 'ty' (palatal stop) - combine 't' and 'y' while tip and blade of tongue touches hard palate and stops the breath. (Note: 'tch' is close but different to 'ty'.)  (Avoid the English 'tee' as in 'city'.)
Literal Meaning:
why-you-emphasis this one hit?
Shows:
Verb ending - has already happened (past) - in, Pronoun, Adverb - transferring
Explanation:
Sentence starts with a transferring adverb 'nyakitya' to which has been the person ending from the verb 'arr' (you) and 'kat' to add emphasis. Then comes the pronoun 'nyinyam' (this one right here) and finishes with the verb or action word 'taka' (to hit) with the past tense ending 'im' (or 'in'). (Note: the 'him' could also be 'her' or 'it' depending on context.)
Learning Focus:
Language Building, Interacting, Composing, Communication
Learning Exercise:
Template This way of asking a question can be used for a lot of questions. How would you say - 'Why did you love her?' or 'Why did you hate him?' or 'When will you go away?'
Phrase Sentence:
Sentence
Words Associated:
nyakitya - why? what for?
ninya, nyinya - this one right here
taka - to hit, to smack, to strike with the hand or to kick
Topics:
Communication - Question
Age Guides:
Advanced, Yr 10-12, Yr 7-9
Reference: