Etymology
Derivation of Nouns
§57. GENERAL REMARKS ON DERIVATION
New nouns are derived primarily from VERB STEMS (not from other nouns, though
that is also possible). The derivational process follows regular patterns.
§58. NOUNS FROM VERBS
RULE 1 — Agent nouns (who performs the action):
Take the verb stem, change final -a to -i, add Class 1 prefix u-/a-:
oku-lova (fish) → u-lovi (fisherman), a-lovi (fishermen)
oku-imba (sing) → u-imbi (singer), a-imbi (singers)
oku-tunga (build) → u-tungi (builder), a-tungi (builders)
oku-pika (be a slave) → u-piki (slave), a-piki (slaves)
RULE 2 — Abstract / state nouns:
Take verb stem, change final -a to -o, add Class 3 prefix e-:
oku-kava (be tired) → e-kavo (tiredness, weariness)
oku-longa (be deep) → e-lungo (depth)
RULE 3 — Object nouns (result or object of action):
Take verb stem, change final -a to -i or -u, add Class 4 prefix ochi-/ovi-:
oku-sola (love) → ochi-soli (love — the noun, no plural)
oku-tunga (build) → ochi-tungu / ovi-tungu (building/buildings)
RULE 4 — Descriptive nouns (Class 5 with nasal):
Take verb stem, add Class 5 prefix o- + nasal, final -a for action, -i for agent:
oku-landa (buy) → o-ndanda (purchase, buying)
oku-kemba (lie) → o-nhembi (liar), olo-nhembi (liars)
oku-linga upange (do work) → o-ndingupange (worker)
(Note: l after nasal → nd; k after nasal → h with nasal dropped)
§59. NOUNS FROM NOUNS
Nouns may be derived from other nouns by changing the preformative:
For persons: use Class 1 prefixes u-/a-, with stem ending in -i or -o or -a:
o-ngombe (ox) → u-ngombo (herdsman), a-ngombo (herdsmen)
For abstracts: use Class 3 e- prefix (no plural):
[concept noun] → e- + stem
For objects/instruments: use Class 4 ochi-/ovi-:
[action noun] → ochi- + stem
§60. COMPOUNDS
Compound nouns are formed by:
1. Noun + genitive + noun (with euphonic elision):
o-njo i-a o-hango → o-njohango (sitting-room, conversation house)
o-njo i-a o-hama → o-njohama (bedroom)
2. Verb + object (with Class 5 prefix + nasal):
oku-linga u-pange → o-ndingupange (one who does work = worker)
3. Personal prefix u-/va- + noun or verb (origin/quality compounds):
u-ngangela (person of Ganguela origin)
va-ngangela (people of Ganguela origin)
u-ku-etu (our companion: u- + ku + etu)
va-ku-etu (our companions)