Demonstratives
- For a definition of demonstrative see Demonstrative (definition)
Demonstratives in Gaelic, just like those in other languages, can be used in two different ways: transitively or intransitively. Transitive demonstratives are used on its own without any other elements such as noun as in (1) while intransitive demonstratives are always collocated with a noun as in (2). Another common way to define the the two classes of demonstratives is with the labels 'demonstrative adjectives' and 'demonstrative pronouns'. In Gaelic, the class of demonstrative adjectives behave like other adjectives in the language in that they specify a noun and succeed it in the sentence.
1) this book is mine
2) this is mine
Transitive demonstratives in Gaelic are created by combining an article, a noun, and a demonstrative particle, in that order. There are three demonstrative particles: seo proximate (this), sin distal (that), siud or 'ud or siud far distal (yonder).
3)
an cù seo the dog this 'this dog'
4)
an cù sin the dog that 'that dog'
5)
an cù 'ud/siud the dog yonder 'yonder dog'
If the noun is modified by an adjective, the adjective comes before the demonstrative particle:
6)
an cù mòr seo the dog big this 'this big dog'
Intransitive demonstratives in Gaelic do not need any other elements such as an article and a noun.
7)
Thoir dhomh seo give to.me this 'Give me this'
8)
Thoir dhomh sin give to.me that 'Give me that'
