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Phrase Detail

Kalpin kukaku panem.
Grandma cut the damper
Pronunciation:
Say: kahl-piin kuuk-kah-kuu pah-nem
Notes:
Vowels: Standard - 'a' as in path, 'i' as in 'sit', 'u' as in 'put', 'e' as in 'bed'.
Emphasis on first syllables of words.
Literal Meaning:
lit. cut-past grandmother-doer damper
Shows:
Verb head-word, Verb ending - has already happened (past) - in, Noun ending - do-er word - (k)u, Noun
Explanation:
 Demonstrates use of 'subject' or 'do-er' noun ending 'ku' to show that 'kuka' did the cutting. (Context would have inferred this but the use of 'ku' is a distinctive Wamba Wamba language technique which is especially useful when context doesn't help.)
Learning Focus:
Language Building, Grammar, Describing
Learning Exercise:
Phrase Sentence:
Sentence
Words Associated:
kalpa - to cut, to break
kuka - grandmother, grandchild,
panem - damper, bread
Topics:
People and Family - Adults
Age Guides:
Reference:
WWDict. p72 'ergative'. (Note: 'ergative case' ending identifies the 'do-er' of an action.)