Transitive Suffix: indicates that the action of the verb is directed towards someone or something, making the verb transitive. For example:
- *teyaw* (admonish) + -a = *teyawa* (to admonish someone or react to something)
This suffix helps to specify the direction of the action, emphasizing the relationship between the verb and its object.
Linker
_-a_ also functions as a linker, attaching to words that end in consonants. For example:
- *esad a manok* (one chicken)
In this context, the linker _-a_ helps to connect the modifier (esad) to the noun (manok), forming a cohesive phrase.
Distinction from _-ng_
The linker _-a_ is used with words ending in consonants, whereas _-ng_ is used with words ending in vowels:
- *esad a manok* (one chicken) vs. *pitong manok* (seven chickens)
This distinction highlights the importance of phonological context in determining the choice of linker in Boie'nen.