Mastering Catalan Pronouns and Sentence Structure

Posted on Jan 27, 2025 in Linguistics and Applied Languages

Catalan Weak Pronouns: Syntax and Function

1. Function of Weak Pronouns

Weak pronouns replace a syntactical element that would perform the same function.

Direct Object (CD) Pronouns

  • Defined: el, la, los, las
  • Indefinite: en
  • Neuter: ho
  • Always have a defined article (or demonstrative or possessive).
  • Are non-permanent.
  • The neuter pronouns are in *this* or *that* or subordinate clauses.
  • When the CD refers to the 1st person: me, us; when the 2nd person: and you; when the 3rd person: se.

Indirect Object (CI) Pronouns

  • The element that receives the benefit or damage of the verbal action, provided it is introduced by *to* or *for*.
  • When it refers to the 3rd person: he, the; when the 1st person: me, us; when the 2nd person: and you; when the 3rd person and reflexive: and is.

Prepositional Object (CRV) Pronouns

  • Complements that require verbs with prepositions.
  • They are replaced by there, unless the verb is reflexive, then by in.

Attribute (ATB) Pronouns

  • Complements of copulative verbs (be, seem).
  • Has 3 substitutions:
    • If the ATB is defined (including CDs): el, la, los, las
    • If the ATB is undefined (like CD): I
    • If the ATB has emphasis (with !): en

Predicative Complement (CPred) Pronouns

  • Like the CCM, but agrees with the CD or subject.
  • Is replaced by there, except with the verbs *to become, say it, elect, appoint*: in.

Adverbial Complement (CC) Pronouns

  • Is replaced by there, except CCC + prep. *of*: in.

Noun Complement (CN) Pronouns

  • Is replaced when part of the CD and has the prep. *of*: in, or just replace the CD or CN, but never both.

Subject Pronouns

  • Two conditions:
    • Subject of an intransitive verb.
    • Subject = undefined: at

2. Pronominal Duplication

  • If the element is at the beginning of the sentence, a weak pronoun must be added. [The pain you].
  • You cannot have two weak pronouns repeated in the same phrase [I say].

3. Combination of Weak Pronouns

Reflexive (s) -> 2nd person (and you) -> 1st person (me, us) -> CI (you, your) -> CD/ATB (the, la, los, las, I) -> C. Adv (in, there)

4. Number of Pronouns in Combination

Up to four weak pronouns can be used in combination.

5. Union of Weak Pronouns

  • Always go around the verb, and combinations of two or more pronouns must be written together.
  • They are written at the end if the verb is an infinitive, gerund, or participle.
  • If the pronoun or pronouns are placed after the verb, they must be joined with a hyphen (-).
  • If they are placed before the verb, they can only be merged with an apostrophe (‘).
  • The apostrophe must be placed as far to the right as possible.
  • Some combinations do not take an apostrophe: the there, you, you are.
  • If you is combined with the pronoun me, use the first flat forms (we, now, me) or elided forms (s, t, m).
  • Pronouns we, us, the, the, to adopt the flat forms (you, us, them, them, them) when they follow a verb ending in a consonant or diphthong. If another pronoun is inserted between the verb and the pronoun, they adopt closer forms (up, s, l, ls, n).

6. Special Cases

  • in + in cannot be combined; only one can be replaced.
  • there + there is not possible.
  • I + in is not possible either.
  • you + there = lhi.

Compound Sentences

Compound sentences have two or more verbs. There are three types:

  • Juxtaposed: Two simple sentences together, separated by a punctuation mark (., ;).
  • Coordinated: Two simple sentences joined by a conjunction. Different types according to the conjunction.
  • Subordinate: There is always a word that introduces the subordinate clause.

Subordinate Clause Types

1. Noun Subordinate Clauses

  • Completive: Introduced by that, they perform all the functions of a noun phrase (SN).
  • Interrogative: Introduced by an interrogative particle (what, what… how, how…), interrogative pronouns (who, what), or interrogative adverbs (when, where, how). The interrogative particle performs the function of a CD.
  • Relative Clauses: These sentences amount to a noun phrase (SN) and have no explicit antecedent. The most frequent constructions are:
    • People: who / whoever / anyone who / whoever
    • Things: what / what / why / the thing
    • Place: where / where / wherever / wherever
    • Function as a noun phrase (SN).
  • Infinitive Clauses: They do not have a connector and can perform all the functions of a noun. They can be preceded by a preposition if they function as a CD.