Datapoint Belizean Creole/Definite articles

The definite article can be associated with a locative dɛ for a demonstrative value (Example 20), but cannot carry a demonstrative function by itself.

The singular demonstrative form dat varies phonetically (da/dat, see Example 62). Dat does not co-occur with the definite article di, but it can function as an anaphoric device, similar to a definite article (Example 62).

Values

Definite article distinct from demonstratives

Example 9-20:
Wi me wan sum rowp fu tay op di nɛt dɛ.
Wi
1pl
me
ant
wan
want
sum
some
rowp
rope
fu
to
tay
tie
op
up
di
art.def
nɛt
net
dɛ.
loc/art.def
We wanted some rope to tie up that net.

Source: Escure 1983: 34

Example 9-55:
wey bak ina di bush
wey
way
bak
back
ina
in
di
the
bush
bush
way back in the bush

Source: Escure 1983: 41

Example 9-56:
di bɛs rowp
di
the
bɛs
best
rowp
rope
the best rope

Source: Escure 1983: 34

Example 9-57:
Hi de se di preya.
Hi
she
de
prog
se
say
di
the
preya.
prayer
She is saying the prayer.

Source: Escure 1983: 50

Example 9-62:
Yu wuda sit dawn de an trai taym wɛn da krab wuda kum owt di howl.
Yu
2sg
wuda
hab
sit
sit
dawn
down
de
there
an
and
trai
try
taym
time
wɛn
when
da
that
krab
crab
wuda
would
kum
come
owt
out
di
the
howl.
hole
You sit there and wait until the crab comes out of its hole.

Source: Escure 1992

Confidence:
Very certain