Chapter 7: The Pronoun

Question 1

Give the singular pronouns and their English correspondents.

Answer 1

au, vau - I
‘oe - you
‘oia, ‘ona - he, she, it

Question 2

Give the four dual pronouns and their English equivalents.

Answer 2

tāua - we two (inclusive)
māua - we two (exclusive)
’ōrua - you two
rāua - those two

Question 3

Give the four plural pronouns and their English translations.

Answer 3

tātou - we (inclusive)
mātou - we (exclusive)
’outou - you all
rātou - they

Question 4

When is au used instead of vau?

Answer 4

After words ending in -e or -i.

Question 5

What is the distinction between ‘oia and ‘ona?

Answer 5

’Oia is the usual pronoun, and ’ona is mostly used only if the subject has already been mentioned in the conversation, and is known to both speakers. ’Ona has a demonstrative force which ’oia lacks.

Question 6

How is the pronoun formed into an object?

Answer 6

By adding ‘ia immediately before pronoun.
’ia ’u - me
’ia ’oe - you
’iāna - him, her

Question 7

How are proper nouns indicated as objects?

Answer 7

When a proper noun is the direct object of a verb, it must be preceded by ’ia in the same way as a pronoun.
’ua hohoni te ’uri ’ia Peu
the dog bit Peu (Lit. bit the dog Peu)
’ua ’ite au ’ia Teri ’i
I saw Teri’i

Question 8

How are common nouns indicated as objects?

Answer 8

When a common noun is the direct object of a verb, it must be preceded by ‘i followed by the normal subject
articles as seen above.
’Ua tapu te ta’ata ‘i te tumu ’uru.
The man cut down the breadfruit tree.