Dictionary Entries explained

Each entry includes at least a Naami word or phrase, the grammatical category (noun, verb, pronoun, etc.) and a translation in English. This can include several different senses (related meanings of the word). Some words also give other information. The following information can be found in this dictionary:

Entry word

The entry word is given using the Naami Alphabet. Spelling rules are explained in the Orthography Guide. Nouns are written in the singular and verbs in the future (shortest) form.

Examples:

gɨŋ  c6 n  corn, maize

dii (perf diila) v  invite, call (someone)

ndəkə  adj  colder

bə  pro  you (pl)

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Homonyms

Homonyms are words which are identical in spelling but have different meanings and often different tone. Each homonym is listed separately, marked with a small number after the word to indicate they are different words:

baŋ₁ (perf bana) v  1) close, shut  2) cover  3) defend, protect 4) block, hinder, prevent

baŋ₂ (perf bana) v shift, move over

baŋ₃ c7/8 n  1) sheet 2) paper 3) chapter

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Plural form and Noun Class

When possible, the plural form of a noun is given in parenthesis, followed by the noun class.  Nouns will plural will have the singular and plural noun class number separated by a /.

butuu (pl joo) c14/25 n  1) day  2) date

kitaŋ (pl bitaŋ) c7/8 n  1) sun 2) clock, watch

mɛŋ c25 n  1) oil 2) lotion 3) kerosene 4) gas, engine oil 5) palm oil

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Perfective form

Verbs are written in their simplest future form. When possible, their perfective form is also listed.  Perfective is indicated by perf  in parenthesis, and looks as follows:

hluŋ (perf hluna) v  1) pay  2) fine

tu (perf too) v  1) carry  2) take down (clothes)

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Definition

The English translation is given for each sense of a Naami word. If a word/phrase is followed by (Pidgin) it means the definition is a Pidgin word.

kəbə (pl bikəbə) c7/8 n  pangolin, animal with strong skin that wrap itself in a ball, catabeef (Pidgin)

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Senses

When a word has more than one sense (meaning), the meanings are each given a number. The different senses may not be ordered according to the most familiar or most frequently used

chi (perf chee)  v  1) put, place, set  2) obey, keep (the law) 3) establish

Borrowed words

Words that have been borrowed from English, Pidgin, Fulfulde, or other languages include (borrowed) in the definition.

kalashiŋ n  kerosene (borrowed)  syn: mɛŋ

kwashaŋ n  milk (borrowed)  syn: biŋ

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Synonyms

Words that have a similar meaning are shown at the end of the definition after the abbreviation syn:

petolo n  petrol (borrowed) syn: ŋgwiŋ

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Variants

Words that have another pronunciation are listed as variants.

baŋ₃ (var of kibaŋ) n  1) sheet (of zinc or paper) 2) chapter