Syntax
The basic word order of Kashaya is quite flexible in main clauses; however, the default location for the verb is final, and this position is required in subordinate clauses. A notable feature is that when a verb does occur in non-final position, it takes the suffix -e:. Some possible orders are illustrated here with the simple sentence "I see that dog", containing the elements ʔa "I (subj)", mul "that (obj)", hayu "dog", can’- "see".
- hayu mul ʔa can’
- hayu ʔa mul can’
- hayu ʔa cade: mul
- cade: ʔa hayu mul
Oswalt (1961) reports that younger speakers tend to favor the SVO order typical of English.
Read more about this topic: Kashaya Language