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Joins

Join same-slot material (noun phrases, verb phrases, or clause bodies) with a right-close fence: the items, then the join, then optional SHARED scale / continuum material.

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Beginner

What you use joins for

You use joins when English would say and, or, not, prefer A over B, something, or everything but. Agalan spells that job with a role letter + vowel root (+ stacked vowel when needed) + ending.

LevelPrefixExample job
Phrase/z/ /d/ /b/ /ɡ/ /w/ /h/Azawan and Ululon, big and red
Verb phrase/v/walks and runs
Clause/x/It rained and then we left

The vowel tells you what kind of list (inventory, menu, rank, negation, complement). The ending tells you how closed the list is. a add, o one, e order, u undo (same jobs as elsewhere).

Join words are the only place -n does not mean a name. Beginner fences use -l / -m / -r. Join -n (phrase named list, clause sequence xan, join-acts) is Intermediate and Advanced on this page.

Right-close fence (flat lists)

Put every item before the join. Put SHARED scale / continuum material immediately after the join. Place items next to each other with no extra word between them.

PHRASE PHRASE ( PHRASE )* P-JOIN ( SHARED )*

The join closes the list on the right, like a closing bracket.

`zodogol zagadal zam.`

gloss: `z-dog` · `z-cat` · `z-and.open`

*a dog and a cat.*
`vawalal vurunul vam.`

gloss: `v-walk` · `v-run` · `v-and.open`

*walks and runs.*
`zazawan zululon zam.`

gloss: `z-grace@` · `z-courage@` · `z-and.open`

*Azawan and Ululon.*

Set joins and rank joins

Set joins group items as inventory or menu:

VowelNameEnglish jobMnemonic
aadditiveand (inventory)a add
ochoiceexclusive oro one (pick one)
aocochoiceinclusive and/or (one or more)add + one
unegationnot / none of / standalone nou undo
uacounteradditiveeverything butundo + add
uocounterchoiceanything butundo + one

Rank joins order items by priority:

VowelNameEnglish jobMnemonic
erankearlier outranks later (A before B before C)e order
aecorankequal rank / tieadd + order
oechoicerankexclusive ranked menu (A else B)one + order
uecounterrankrank reversal (A after B after C)undo + order

Stacked vowels glue in writing (zaol, zual, zoel, …). Spoken order is first vowel, then next, then ending.

Arity: list, single-item, and standalone

Arity is how many items sit before the join. Most joins need two or more. A smaller set also works at single-item (one item) or standalone (zero items).

ArityShapeJob
List (2+)A B P-JOINordinary coordination
Single-item (1)A P-JOINexhaustivity on that one item (just X, not X, X first, …)
Standalone (0)P-JOINemptiness or open frame in that join (nothing, no, everything, …)

The join alone (standalone), or the join plus one item (single-item), can fill the slot when the form is in the starter table below. All other joins stay at list arity.

Closure endings -l and -m

Every join vowel takes an ending. Start with -l (closed) and -m (open).

EndingJobMnemonic
-lclosed: the listed items are the only ones in playlocked list
-mopen: other items may exist (among others)maybe more

When unsure, prefer -m. Use -l when you stand behind completeness (full inventories, forced-choice menus, definitions).

On plain o only, -m also marks empty-allowed (or none / or skip).

`zogovel zom.`

gloss: `z-coffee` · `z-or.open`

*coffee, or skip.*
`zadedal zogovel zol.`

gloss: `z-tea` · `z-coffee` · `z-or-exactly-one`

*tea or coffee (pick exactly one).*

Starter forms (single-item and standalone)

These are the joins you meet first. Each row is standalone (0 items) or single-item (1 item). List arity uses the same vowel + ending after two or more items.

FormArityReading
zal / zamstandalonenothing / nobody · nothing comes to mind
zol / zomstandaloneno options · no pick / skipping is fine
zul / zum / zunstandaloneno (closed · open · named stock label)
zual / zuamstandaloneeverything / everyone · soft universal
zuol / zuomstandaloneanything (goes) · open free choice
zal + NPsingle-itemjust X / only X
zam + NPsingle-itemX, for one / X, say
zol + NPsingle-itemhas to be X
zom + NPsingle-itemsay, X / X, or skip
zul / zum / zun + NPsingle-itemnot X
zual + NPsingle-itemeverything but X
zuol + NPsingle-itemanything but X
zel / zemstandaloneno favorite · whichever
zel / zem + NPsingle-itemonly X matters / X first
zoel / zoem + NPsingle-itemonly try X / try X first
zael / zaemstandaloneit's a draw / tie · probably a tie

Same pattern under /d/ /b/ (dal, dam, …), /v/ (val, vam, vul, …), and /x/ (xal, xam, xul, …).

Compare with: under /ɡ/ /h/ /w/, emptiness is a restrictor, not “nobody / nothing” as an entity.

Negation (u)

Plain u means the listed items fail.

ArityShapeReading
listA B zulnone of A or B
single-itemzazawan zulnot Azawan
standalonezul / zum / zunno
`gomonam gul.`

gloss: `g-challenging` · `g-not`

*not challenging.*
`zadedal zogovel zul.`

gloss: `z-tea` · `z-coffee` · `z-not`

*none of tea or coffee.*

u = under the claim: what does not hold.

Unspecified member (-r)

-r on a / o / e / u marks an unspecified member of the join. Content words keep their own -r job (resume); this -r is the join’s “someone / something in this list.”

VowelFormReading
azar / var / xarsomething / do something / something happened
ozor / vor / xoranything / do anything
ezer / ver / xerwhatever ranks highest / whatever matters most
uzur / vur / xursomething else / someone else

-r sits on single-vowel a / o / e / u only.

`zar.`

gloss: `z-something`

*something* / *someone.*
`zeberel zar.`

gloss: `z-person` · `z-something`

*some (unknown) person.*
`zadedal zogovel zar.`

gloss: `z-tea` · `z-coffee` · `z-something`

*some one among tea and coffee.*

A B zar is one right-close fence covering A and B.

Phrase prefixes (quick map)

PrefixSlot
/z/subject NP
/d/direct object NP
/b/argument NP (of complex /ɡ/ or /h/)
/ɡ/adjective phrase
/w/restrictor on preceding /ɡ/restrictors.md
/h/clause restrictor — restrictors.md

The join prefix must match every item head. Under /ɡ/ /h/, joins use -l / -m / -r.

Translation practice

Short drills on this Beginner band. Try each item before opening Show answer. The join sits after the items; pick the vowel (set vs rank, including u) and the ending (-l / -m / -r), including single-item and standalone starter forms.

Roots used here: azawa grace (name Azawan) · ululo courage (name Ululon) · uhubu beauty (name Uhubun) · odogo dog · agada cat · adeda tea · ogove coffee · unude water · omona challenging · ebere person · awala walk · urunu run · elebe sleep

English → Agalan

1. a dog and a cat

Show answer

zodogol zagadal zam.

2. tea or coffee — pick exactly one

Show answer

zadedal zogovel zol.

3. coffee, or skip

Show answer

zogovel zom.

4. just Azawan

Show answer

zazawan zal.

5. not challenging

Show answer

gomonam gul.

6. none of tea or coffee

Show answer

zadedal zogovel zul.

7. something / someone

Show answer

zar.

8. Azawan walks and Ululon runs.

Show answer

zazawan vawalal zululon vurunul xam.

Agalan → English

1. zodogol zagadal zam.

Show answer

a dog and a cat

2. zadedal zogovel zol.

Show answer

tea or coffee — pick exactly one

3. zazawan zul.

Show answer

not Azawan

4. zual.

Show answer

everything / everyone

5. zeberel zar.

Show answer

some (unknown) person

6. zadedal zogovel zar.

Show answer

some one among tea and coffee

7. zazawan zel.

Show answer

only Azawan matters / Azawan first

8. vawalal vurunul vam.

Show answer

walks and runs

Intermediate

Full single-item and standalone inventories

The starter table above covers common cases. Below are the full phrase-level single-item and standalone readings. Verb-phrase and clause use the same arity pattern with /v/ and /x/ prefixes (VP / clause forms).

Rank — single-item

Apply these readings when there is only one item in the list.

FormSingle-item reading
…el (zel / …)only X matters / X, period; + SHARED scale → superlative — comparatives.md
…em (zem / …)X first / mainly X; + SHARED scale → open superlative
…ael (zael / …)X tied for / equal priority to X
…aem (zaem / …)X about tied for / soft equal priority
…aen (zaen / …)X tied for (stock / conventional draw label)
…oem (zoem / …)start with X / try X first
…oel (zoel / …)only try X / X with no listed fallback
…uel (zuel / …)X last, period; + SHARED scale → least
…uem (zuem / …)X last / mainly leave X for last
…en (zen / …)X first (stock) / X, as usual — named unspecified ranking
…er (zer / …)preferably some X / X as a priority

Rank — standalone

Apply these readings when the join stands by itself (empty list). Standalone e answers who first / what's your favorite with no descending ranking (no favorite). Standalone ue answers who last / what do you not want with no ascending ranking (no least, no veto). Closed -l is a fact about the set; open -m is a shrug.

FormStandalone reading
…el (zel / …)no favorite / nobody's first; + SHARED scale → unspecified who's top
…em (zem / …)whichever (not picking who goes first)
…ael (zael / …)it's a draw / tie
…aem (zaem / …)probably a tie / looks even
…aen (zaen / …)it's a draw (stock)
…oem (zoem / …)not sure where to start
…oel (zoel / …)do nothing / don't bother; + SHARED scale → empty superlative
…oem + SHARED scaleno biggest comes to mind
…uel (zuel / …)no least-favorite / nobody's last; + SHARED scale → unspecified who's bottom
…uem (zuem / …)no objection (not naming a veto)
…en (zen / …)no favorite (stock)
…er (zer / …)whatever's most important

Set — single-item

Apply these readings when there is only one item in the list.

FormSingle-item reading
…al (zal / …)just X / only X
…am (zam / …)X, for one / X, say
…ol (zol / …)has to be X
…om (zom / …)say, X / X, or skip
…ual (zual / …)everything but X
…uam (zuam / …)everything but X (among exclusions)
…uol (zuol / …)anything but X
…uom (zuom / …)anything but X (open)
…aol (zaol / …)X is enough / X'll do
…aom (zaom / …)at least X / X would work
…ar (zar / …)some (unknown) X
…or (zor / …)any X
…ul (zul / …)not X
…um (zum / …)not X (among other denials)
…un (zun / …)not X (stock / conventional)
…ur (zur / …)something other than X

…un is the stock denial: the conventional, formulaic not X (a set phrase rather than a computed exclusion). Use …ul / …um for ordinary denials; …un only where the denial itself is the fixed expression.

Set — standalone

Apply these readings when the join stands by itself (empty list).

FormStandalone reading
…al (zal / …)nothing / nobody
…am (zam / …)nothing comes to mind
…an (zan / …)null / void (standalone-only under /z/ /d/ /b/ /w/)
…ol (zol / …)no options / we're stuck
…om (zom / …)no pick / skipping is fine
…ual (zual / …)everything / everyone
…uam (zuam / …)everything that comes to mind
…uan (zuan / …)everyone / everything (stock)
…uol (zuol / …)anything (goes)
…uom (zuom / …)anything offered
…aol (zaol / …)all set / nothing more needed
…aom (zaom / …)nothing needed that comes to mind
…ul (zul / …)no
…um (zum / …)a no from this speaker
…un (zun / …)No (stock)
…ar (zar / …)something / someone
…or (zor / …)anything / anyone
…ur (zur / …)something else / someone else

Single-item/standalone is also allowed on verb-phrase …ul / …um and clause …ul / …um / …un among joins. vun is a join-act verb.

Under question: yes/no, offer, emptiness check, and fill-ask — questions.md.

Rank joins

The four rank vowels (e / ae / oe / ue) and their directions are introduced in Beginner. Two Intermediate refinements: multi ae + SHARED scale is the equative (as ADJ as), and standalone oe + SHARED scale is the empty superlative (no biggest comes to mind).

`zazawan zululon zael gomonam.`

gloss: `z-grace@` · `z-courage@` · `z-as…as` · `g-challenging`

*Azawan is as challenging as Ululon.*

Fence chains keep ranking from spoken item order before the right-close join.

Invert (ua / uo / ue)

Leading u on a / o / e flips the base join. Plain u (negation) is a different row: not / none of.

FormReading
uaeverything but the listed
uoanything but the listed (free choice outside)
uerank reversal (A after B after C)

Those three stacks are the invert set. Domain for ua / uo comes from context or SHARED /ɡ/ as kind — universals, domains, and generics. Only …om carries or none; -m on invert forms does not add empty-allowed. -r attaches only to single-vowel a / o / e / u.

`zadedal zogovel zual.`

gloss: `z-tea` · `z-coffee` · `z-everything-but`

*everything but tea and coffee.*

zagadal zual = everything but the cat. For every cat, use SHARED kind: zual gagadal.

Exclusivity, negation, and distribution

Exclusive (o) — at most one item. -l = exactly one (empty not allowed); -m = at most one (or none).

Inclusive (ao) — one or more may hold. -m on ao still requires at least one.

Negation over a join: the not applies to each item and the join vowel stays the same. Not (A and B) is still an and of two denials; not (A or B) is still an or of two denials.

`A B val vul.`

*not (A and B)*: *not A, and not B.*
`A B vol vul.`

*not (A or B)*: *not A, or not B.*

Universals, domains, and generics

Mark kind / domain with ordinary SHARED /ɡ/. Items under ua / uo are exclusions from that domain.

ShapeReading
standalone zualeverything / everyone
zual + SHARED /ɡ/every K (zual gagadal = every cat)
zuam + SHARED /ɡ/soft universal of K
zual + SHARED /ɡ/ + itemsevery K but exclusions
single-item zual X (no SHARED)everything but X (English every X uses SHARED kind instead)
bare hualalways (habitual frame) — restrictors.md

Generics use these fences. Plural -sh is a different job (plurality.md):

  • Strict / definitional → closed zual + SHARED kind + FORMAL when needed.
  • Soft / epistemic → open zuam + SHARED kind.
  • Habitual characterizing → bare hual on the clause.
  • Free-choice disposition (Any cat will do) → zor.
`zual gagadal.`

gloss: `z-everything-but` · `g-cat`

*every cat.*

SHARED after the join

Modifiers that sit immediately after a phrase-level join describe the whole list (ordinary adjective /ɡ/ or extra /w/ after the join).

Join familySHARED /ɡ/ role
adistributive property (both ADJ) or bundle description
a + /ɡ/-shcollective (ADJ together)
ae + gradable /ɡ/equative scale
e / oe / ue on NPcomparison scale
ua / uokind / domain for universals
a / e / ue / ua + two number endpointsrange with continuum /ɡ/

Local modifiers stay inside each item (after that item's head, or gl- before the head). Further matching-role heads belong before the join, not after P-JOIN / SHARED.

`zodogol zagadal zal gomonam.`

gloss: `z-dog` · `z-cat` · `z-and` · `g-challenging`

*(challenging dog) and (challenging cat).*
`zodogol zagadal zam goborul bazawan.`

gloss: `z-dog` · `z-cat` · `z-and.open` · `g-ownership` · `b-grace@`

*Azawan's (dog and cat).*

Fence nesting

Flat coordination uses one right-close fence. Nested joins stack multiple right closes from the left: the first join closes the earlier items, then that bundle plus the next item takes the next join.

PatternExampleReading
flatA B C volA or B or C
nestedA B vol C val(A or B) and C

Each join sits after the items it closes. Scope islands may wrap an inner join: A ^ B C val ^ volA or (B and C).

Same rule at phrase, verb-phrase, and clause level.

Sequence (-n, clause only)

On /x/ only, join -n is sequence. This join-word -n (with phrase -n and join-acts / join-relations) is the only exception to ordinary named -n. Narrative and then is xan.

FormSequence reading
xanand then…
xonor maybe… — uncertain alternatives
xunsoft not / none of… as I recall…
xaonand/or maybe…
xuan / xuonsoft complement inventory / free choice
xen / xaen / xoen / xuensoft ranked / tie / exclusive / reversal

VP /v/-n spellings are join-act verbs. /ɡ/ /h/-n are join-relations.

VP and clause forms

-l-m-n-r
aval / xalvam / xamxan sequence; van join-actvar / xar
ovol / xolvom / xomxon sequence; von join-actvor / xor
uvul / xulvum / xumxun sequence; vun join-actvur / xur
aovaol / xaolvaom / xaomxaon sequence
uavual / xualvuam / xuamxuan sequence
uovuol / xuolvuom / xuomxuon sequence
evel / xelvem / xemxen sequence; ven join-actver / xer
aevael / xaelvaem / xaemxaen sequence
oevoel / xoelvoem / xoemxoen sequence
uevuel / xuelvuem / xuemxuen sequence

Verb-phrase — each item is a verb plus its own object material. When every item is a bare verb, a /d/ immediately after the join (SHARED) scopes over all verbs: vejel vabelel vam dabelelsees and tempts an apple.

/h/ scope relative to the verb-phrase fence:

  • /h/ before the verb-phrase stretch → applies to every item.
  • /h/ in SHARED after the join → shared over every item.
  • /h/ inside an item → that verb phrase only.

Clause-level/x/ is same-speech-act continuation. Non-initial items inherit the opener speech act and omit /j/ (including recoverable jal). One speech act for the whole fence.

`A B C xan.`

*A and then B and then C.*
`A B xol C xal.`

*(A or B) and C.*

Translation practice

Short drills on this Intermediate band. Try each item before opening Show answer. Sample the decisions this band adds: invert ua, universals vs everything but, SHARED after the join, islands, nesting, and clause xan.

Roots used here: azawa grace (name Azawan) · ululo courage (name Ululon) · uhubu beauty (name Uhubun) · odogo dog · agada cat · adeda tea · ogove coffee · unude water · omona challenging · onuno onion · ugume cucumber · abele apple · eje see · awala walk · urunu run · elebe sleep

English → Agalan

1. tea ≻ coffee ≻ water

Show answer

zadedal zogovel zunudel zel.

2. everything but tea and coffee

Show answer

zadedal zogovel zual.

3. every cat

Show answer

zual gagadal.

4. (challenging dog) and (challenging cat)

Show answer

zodogol zagadal zal gomonam.

5. Azawan and (just water)

Show answer

zazawan ^ zunudel zal ^ zam.

6. Azawan walks and then Ululon runs.

Show answer

zazawan vawalal zululon vurunul xan.

7. at least Azawan

Show answer

zazawan zaom.

8. (tea or coffee) and water

Show answer

zadedal zogovel zol zunudel zal.

Agalan → English

1. zual gagadal.

Show answer

every cat

2. zagadal zual.

Show answer

everything but the cat

3. zadedal zogovel zunudel zel.

Show answer

tea ≻ coffee ≻ water

4. zazawan ^ zal ^ zam.

Show answer

Azawan and nothing

5. zonunol zugumel zual.

Show answer

everything but onion and cucumber

6. vejel vabelel vam dabelel.

Show answer

sees and tempts an apple

7. zazawan vawalal zululon vurunul xol zuhubun velebel xal.

Show answer

(Azawan walks or Ululon runs) and Uhubun sleeps.

Advanced

Scope islands

When other same-slot material sits nearby, wrap the sub-stretch and its join inside a scope island ^ … ^. The join stands inside the island and absorbs only matching-role material there.

ShapeReading
zazawan ^ zunudel zal ^ zamAzawan and (just water)
zazawan ^ zal ^ zamAzawan and nothing
^ zunudel zal ^just water alone in the slot
^ z<A> z<B> zam ^A and B (island)

One island per clause. Same-slot material outside an island needs an outer join tying it in.

Named phrase -n

On phrase-level joins under /z/ /d/ /b/ /w/ only, -n marks a named list: an established bundle (the primary colors, stop–drop–roll), not a freshly composed inventory. This is join-word -n, not a person/place name. It shares the only exception to ordinary named -n with clause sequence and join-acts / join-relations.

…an is standalone-only on phrase fences under /z/ /d/ /b/ /w/ (no one-item reading). Under /ɡ/ /h/, …an / …en / other -n join-vowel spellings are join-relations.

Rare arities and edge readings

  • Single-item / standalone phrase forms listed in Intermediate are the defined set; all other phrase joins need two or more items.
  • …ul / …um / …un are defined at all arities where still joins (standalone no; single-item not X; multi none of).
  • …ar / …or / …er / …ur at all arities — see unspecified-member -r.
  • …aen standalone = it's a draw; …en standalone = no favorite (stock); …an standalone = null / void.
  • …ual standalone = everything; …uol standalone = anything (goes).
  • Content-word -l: zeberel = ordinary indefinite (a person). zeberel zar = explicitly non-identified (some person, unknown who).
  • A B C zor = any of them is fine (equal standing). A B C zer = pick by ranking.
  • A B zar = some one among A and B. A B zur = some one other than A and B. A B zual = everything but A and B.
  • Revision ul / um: except a named right-hand side — revisers.md. Prefixed zur: unspecified something else.
  • Rank oe marks exclusive realization along a ladder; preference vs contingency is read from context, not a different ending.
  • Nest if you need a rare mix (e.g. closed list but empty OK: A B vol zol zal).
  • Causal default on …aomcausation.md.

Allowed joins by PoS

Under /z/ /d/ /b/ /ɡ/ /w/ /h/, the join series plus allowed endings are these joins or restrictors (under /h/ /w/: restrictor inventory). /ɡ/-n** and /h/-n** are join-relations. Join vowels stack at most two letters.

Under /v/, join endings are -l / -m / -r; parallel -n spellings are join-act verbs.

Under /x/, the join series plus allowed endings are these clause joins. Stacked vowels take -l / -m / -n (sequence), not -r.

Join-root phonotactics: phonology.md.

Constraints

  • One slot per chain: a single subject, object, /b/ argument, /ɡ/ stack position, /w/ restrictor unit, or /h/ restrictor unit. Under /h/ /w/, that slot is a restrictor, not sibling and.
  • Matching role prefix on every item head and on the join.
  • One right-close fence per flat list. Nested joins: fence nesting.
  • Shared modifiers only immediately after each P-JOIN; local modifiers stay after their own heads.
  • Phrase -r — only …ar / …or / …er / …ur.
  • Verb+object packages use the verb-phrase fence (/v/). Full sentences use /x/.
  • Same PoS on every item. In-clause including / rather / instead / except are revisers. Cite / mention / aside use span fences. Numbered first / second discourse uses numbers.
  • Prefixed joins always have a role letter + ending. Prefix-less al / am / … are revisers. Whole-word a / e / o / u (no ending) are not words.
  • Floating /h/ inside an NP/AP//b/ join does not end the list. Verb-chain /h/ scope differs — see verb-phrase.
  • Clause-level: each item is a full clause body; because / if stay /h/ + /b/ adoro.
  • Sibling manner stacking on /h/ /w/ uses juxtaposition (hadazal howol).

Translation practice

Short drills on this Advanced band. Try each item before opening Show answer. Phrase -n is a named list (clause sequence is Intermediate); one item also tests a rare-arity contrast (zor vs zer, zur, or standalone zan).

Roots used here: azawa grace (name Azawan) · ululo courage (name Ululon) · adeda tea · ogove coffee · unude water · ebere person

English → Agalan

1. tea or coffee (the usual named menu)

Show answer

zadedal zogovel zon.

2. null / void

Show answer

zan.

3. any of tea, coffee, or water is fine (no order)

Show answer

zadedal zogovel zunudel zor.

4. pick tea, coffee, or water by ranking

Show answer

zadedal zogovel zunudel zer.

5. someone other than Azawan and Ululon

Show answer

zazawan zululon zur.

Agalan → English

1. zan.

Show answer

null / void

2. zadedal zogovel zon.

Show answer

tea or coffee (the usual named menu)

3. zaen.

Show answer

it's a draw (stock)

4. zadedal zogovel zunudel zer.

Show answer

pick tea, coffee, or water by ranking

5. zazawan zululon zur.

Show answer

someone other than Azawan and Ululon

See also