Question about the plural

[Ftxavanga Txe′lan]

Kaltxì frapo-ya (:

I just began learning with Na'vi in a Nutshell, and there's something I don't understand about the plural in Na'vi.

When matching plurals, you have the option to match for number, or not. This also applies with some adjectives like pxay many. Regardless, never mix plural prefixes when describing something.

Moe lu meharyu We are teachers OR
Moe lu karyu We are teachers BUT NOT
Moe lu (ay)haryu

Why is the first example correct, but not the third? It confuses me since it's a lenition in both cases. I guess the last sentence says it, but I don't really understand what it means.

Irayo! (:

[wm.annis]

Why is the first example correct, but not the third? It confuses me since it's a lenition in both cases. I guess the last sentence says it, but I don't really understand what it means.

Because moe means specifically we two, while the ay- plural means four or more.

I'm not sure why moe lu karyu is listed as ok, though.  I don't think it is.

[Ftxavanga Txe′lan]

Ohh I see! That was my problem.

I was also wondering about the second example. The way I understood the first explanation sentence is, that we can let the word as it would be in the singular forum if we want to (in other words, that the plural prefix is not obligatory). But then, no lenition at all? It's surprising! :O I'm not sure I understood it right.

[Ikran Ahiyìk]

The karyu in the second example DOES NOT take any prefix, so no lenition.

In moe the number of two is stated, it is optional for karyu taking prefix or not.


Or you may compare these

Moe lu karyu.
*Oe lu meharyu.

Feel strange on the second one?

[wm.annis]

In moe the number of two is stated, it is optional for karyu taking prefix or not.

Are there examples in Frommer's Na'vi of this?  I'm strongly confident the sentence *moe lu karyu is simply incorrect, and should be moe lu meharyu.

[Ikran Ahiyìk]

I don't know, but it seems OK to me.

Because there are so many things that are with one plural and one doesn't take prefix (maybe they are not in this case), just can't find any dual or trial example.

Anyway the most stable way is to take prefixes for both.

[Ftxavanga Txe′lan]

Okay, then I guess I'm going to put the prefix and the lenition just to make sure (: But if ever I see something like Moe lu karyu, I'm nevertheless going to understand what it means.

Thank you!