Datapoint Bislama/Expression of nominal plural meaning

Plural nouns can be either ol + N or olgeta + N, with a preceding plural word. Plural marking with suffix -s from English is marginal.

Values

Plural word preceding the noun Frequency: 90.0%

Example 23-13:
ol nes oli bisi tumas
ol
pl
nes
nurse
oli
agr
bisi
busy
tumas
too.much
The nurses were all too busy.

Source: Meyerhoff nd

Example 23-49:
olgeta UMP oli no laekem hem
olgeta
3pl
UMP
UMP
oli
agr
no
neg
laekem
like
hem
3sg
The UMP (people) didn't like him.

Source: Meyerhoff nd

Confidence:
Very certain

Plural suffix Frequency: 10.0%

Example 23-50:
Ol Banks oli no mo save kivimaot ol loan.
Ol
pl
Banks
banks
oli
agr
no
neg
mo
more
save
can
kivimaot
give.out
ol
pl
loan.
loan
The banks can no longer give out loans.
Confidence:
Very certain