Page:An Ainu-English-Japanese dictionary (including a grammar of the Ainu language).djvu/646

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88
AN AINU GRAMMAR.

Poi-shisam, “a Japanese child.”
Pon-umma, “a colt.”
Pon-beko, “a calf.”
Chikap-po, “a little bird.”

The Ainu have, as one would naturally expect, adopted a number of Japanese words, most of which are affected by the peculiarities of pronunciation which distinguish the northern dialects of Japanese. Especially to be noted is the tendency to nasalization; e.g.

japanese. ainu.
Kami, “paper.” Kambi.
Kogane, “gold.” Kongane.
Kosode, “a short sleeved garment.” Kosonde.
Kugi, “a nail.” Kungi.
Tabako, tobacco. Tambako.

The following are a few samples of Hybrid Compounds. The words which are italicised are Japanese:—

Chikuni-potoke, “a wooden idol.”
Mama-po, “a step-child.”
Niwatori-chikap, domestic fowls.”
Pon-umma, “colt.”
Shiuto-habo, “a mother-in-law.”
Shiuto-michi, “a father-in-law.”
Shuma-potoke, “a stone idol.”
Tera-kamui, “a priest.”
Tono-nishpa, “a government official.”
Tono-ru and Tono-para-ru, “a government road.”
Yaku-etaye, “to collect taxes.”
Yo-an, “to have an engagement, to have business.”




PROPER NOUNS.


The following are a few examples of the way in which proper nonns are formed:—

(a). Names of the Gods.

(These are given according to the order of dignity and importance).