Word order of purposive constructions (Synja Khanty)

PCV: The purpose complement generally precedes the main event.

VPC: The purpose complement generally follows the main event.


(1) sopek lūt-ti-ja miša wɔ̄š-a man-s.

boot buy-inf-lat Misha town-lat go-pst.3sg

‘Misha went to the shop to buy boots.’ (S. O.)


(2) miša wɔ̄š-a man-əs, biľet lūt-ti urǝŋen.

Misha town-lat go-pst.3sg ticket buy-inf because

‘Misa went to the town to buy a ticket.’


In Synja Khanty, purpose subordinations are typically expressed by infinitival constructions. The purpose usually precedes (1), sometimes follows the main event (S. O., F. L.).

Author: 

Nikolett F. Gulyás