First is what Precy Espirtu refers to as the KO set. These are commonly used to show possession of something.
I - -ko, -k
You - -mo, -m
He/She/It- -na
We (2)- -ta
We (excluding listener)- -mi
We (including listener 2+)- -tayo
You (plural and/or formal)- -yo
They- -da
Examples of these are:
Sapatosko- My shoes.
Librom- Your book.
Balayda- Their house.
You will often notice when Ilokanos are speaking to someone older or in a respectful position they will use the plural "yo" instead of the singular "mo." This is a sign of respect and should be use when in doubt as to not offend anyone.
Another common set of suffixes is referred to as the AK set. These are subject pronouns that identify who is being described or is performing the action.
I - -ak
You - -ka
He/She/It- iso, isuna, left out
We (2)- -ta
We (excluding listener)- -kami
We (including listener 2+)- -tayo
You (plural and/or formal)- -kayo
They- -da
You may notice that when refering to a third person's actions the suffix may be left out. This will be covered in more detail in a future post.
Examples:
Mapanak gumatang ti sapatos. - I am going to buy some shoes.
Amerikanoka. - You are American.
Taga-anokayo? - Where are you from?
By learning these few suffixes you will have a firm foothold in identifying who and what are being spoken about during conversations. It's best to learn these early on as they will come up in most conversations you will have.
Until next time. Ditakayon.
