Paama

Introduction

Paama is an Austronesian language spoken the following parts of Vanuatu: Paama, one village on east Epi (Lopevi), a large group in Vila.

The Verb

• Tha Paama verb is conjugated in person and number by means of short pronouns.
• Mood is shown by the use of introductory words.
• Tense is shown partly by changes in the initial of word-base, partly by prefixed particles, and partly by change in the short preceding pronoun.

Sample verb: sani

	INDICATIVE
	Future	Past/Indefinite
Sg.1	ni sani	na, no sani
Sg.2	ki sani	ko sani
Sg.3	he sani	kei, e sani
Pl.1 (inclusive)	ri sani	re, ro sani
Pl.1 (exclusive)	me he sani	me sani
Pl.2	mi he sani	mi sani
Pl.3	i sani	a, o sani

Sample verbs:

• ani to eat,
• hiseni to show,
• ila to know,
• lesi to see,
• sani to give,
• talicati to keep,
• tou to abide.

References

• Sidney H. Ray. A Comparative Study of the Melanesian Island Languages. Ams Pr Inc.