[-ng] TEMP

Here is a consolidated and tightened dictionary / affix entry for [-ng], integrating your points while removing redundancy and clarifying the linguistic function.

-ng

[-ng]

Linking suffix; phonemic linker / ligature

A phonemic linking suffix that connects a modifier, prefix, or descriptive element to the word it qualifies or completes. It functions as a ligature marking a grammatical relationship between two morphemes or phrases.

Primary functions

1. Modifier linker – connects adjectives or descriptive expressions to the noun they modify.
2. Morphological bridge – joins prefixes or stems to a following root.
3. Phonological smoothing – facilitates pronunciation by easing transitions between vowels or consonants.

In many environments it functions similarly to the linker /a/, but -ng appears under specific phonological conditions, particularly when a preceding element ends in a vowel.

Examples

Modifier linkage

Axaki-ng kaata-as.

axaki-ng kaata-as

man-LNK tall-INTS

“The man is very tall.”

Here -ng links the noun axaki “man” with the descriptive phrase kaata-as “very tall.”

Morphological linkage

Ammong-sayod

amo-ng sayod

amo-LNK sayod

“having resemblance / similar in appearance”

Here -ng links the prefix amo- to the root sayod, forming a unified lexical expression.

Notes

• Often analyzed as a ligature or linker in Philippine-type languages.
• Serves both syntactic (modifier linking) and morphophonemic (stem connection) roles.
• Comparable to the Tagalog linker -ng / na, though distribution rules differ in Boie’nen.

If you wish, I can also help you create a clean FB linguistic poster explaining the Boie’nen linker system:

/a/ vs. /-ng/

with examples like

• axaki-ng kaata-as
• maray a tawo

This would visually complement your BOL + Old Boie’nen Dictionary project very well.

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