Types of relativizers (Synja Khanty)

InitRzerPro: Relative clauses are marked by the use of an obligatory clause-initial relative pronoun.

RzerSuff: Relative clauses are marked by the use of a relativizing suffix that attaches directly or indirectly to the root of the verb stem.


(1) juxan pitar-n ūl-ti iki jam wɔ̄j wēl-ti xū.

river opposite-loc live-prs.ptc man good    animal kill-prs.ptc man

‘The man living on the opposite bank of the river is a very good hunter.’ (S. O.)


(2) tam iki, mati juxan pitar-n ū-l, jam wɔ̄j wēl-ti xū.

that man who river opposite-loc live-prs.3sg good animal kill-prs.ptc man

‘The man, who lives on the opposite bank of the river, is a very good hunter.’ (S. O.)


In Synja Khanty, relative constructions are expressed primarily by participle constructions (1), however it is also possible to use relative pronoun subordination to indicate relative meanings (2) (Honti 1984: 102‒106, Nikolaeva 1999a: 77‒88, S. O.). The latter, however, is very rare.

Author: 

Nikolett F. Gulyás