Certain particles can be recognized for their exceptional use as interjections outside the regular syntax of the clause.

Not only do these particles stand apart syntactically, but many typically stand alone as single-word utterances (also known as “holophrases”) without necessarily combining with any other elements. Some particles are purely expressive interjections, uttered by a speaker without necessarily meant to communicate anything to an addressee (1), while others are interactive expressions meant for speaker-addressee communication (2).

(1)      āwiyā!                    “Ouch!”

(2)      āstam!                   “Come here!”

Some interjections (perhaps most expressives) can be used both expressively and interactively (3).

(3)       cah!                      “Geez!” [expressing one’s own surprise or disgust, or communicating disapproval]

Some interjections can also be used as particles (cf. IPCs) within clausal syntax, contributing to larger utterances, as in (4) and (5).

(4)      a)       tānisi!                             “Hello, Greetings, How are you?” [as an interactive IPJ]

          b)       tānisi ē-isiyihkāsoyan?   “What is your name? (literally: “How are you called?”) [as an interrogative]

(5)       a)       mahti!                    “Let’s see!”

          b)       mahti ka-kīsikāw!    “Let there be light”

In the following sections, we will explore some of the many functions that Interjections can perform, even outside clausal syntax.

to be continued