Datapoint Michif/Predicative locative phrases

For expression of location, the most common construction is probably with the verb ayaaw- 'to be' (from Cree), api- lit. 'to sit' or, more commonly, ashtee- 'is placed'. There is a strong presence for ashtee- for semantically inanimate subjects, and aya- for humans and animals.

Values

Invariant copula

Example 75-21:
Li maanzhii diseu la tab ashteew.
Li
def.art.m
maanzhii
food
diseu
on
la
def.art.m
tab
table
ashtee-w.
be.located-3sg
There is food on the table.

Source: Fleury 2007

Example 75-195:
Li paeny didaan li chiirwa ashteew.
Li
def.art.m.sg
paeny
comb
didaan
in
li
def.art.m.sg
chiirwa
drawer
ashtee-w.
placed-3
The comb is in the drawer.

Source: Laverdure and Allard 1983: 142

Example 75-196:
Daa la priizuun ayaw muun galaan.
Daa
in
la
def.art.f.sg
priizuun
prison
aya-w
be-3
muun
1.poss.m.sg
galaan.
boyfriend
My boyfriend is in prison.

Source: Laverdure and Allard 1983: 241

Example 75-197:
La Iwet moon u foon la yeul apiw.
La
def.art.f.sg
Iwet
palate
moon
soft
u
loc
foon
back
la
def.art.f.sg
yeul
mouth
api-w.
sit-3
The soft palate is in the back of the mouth.

Source: Laverdure and Allard 1983: 305

Confidence:
Very certain