Basic Word Order
Drabàshabal follows a flexible but meaning-driven syntax. The default word order is SVO (Subject - Verb - Object), as in English. However, poetic emphasis and context allow for movement.
Example:
Tei taralani ponan òrag tei sulejel.
The warriors face the ghostwalkers.
Modifier Placement
Unlike English, where verbs shift based on person (I walk vs. he walks), Drabàshabal verbs change only based on number:
Adjectives follow the noun:
borojul fèran = “an old house”
Possessives usually precede the noun, but dont have to:
dano borojul = “our house”
Prepositional phrases come after the noun or verb they modify:
je vu borojul = “walk in the house”
Examples:
Noda ponan = We stand
Tei shuluni jen = The bodies walk
Questions
Questions are built without changing the word order. Instead, an interrogative word like ute (what/who), udjan (where), or ulei (how) begins the sentence and a spoken-out particle H! ends it. Through the particle a question is alway clearly indicated, even when there is no interrogative word.
Ute wa te taralàn H! “Who is the warrior?”
Udjan wa ten borojul H! “Where is their house?”
This clear auditory marker helps signal urgency or intent when voiced accordingly - a vital feature in tribal chants or battle cries.
Through the particle H! a question is alway clearly indicated, even when there is no interrogative word. Imagine Nodilani always doing "huh?" when they are asking something:
"It tastes good, huh?"
Imperatives
As established in the "Verbs & Conjugation" lesson, Drabàshabal uses the particle P! to mark imperative commands:
Ponan P! = Stand!
Luba dan mamibai P! = Listen to your parents!
