Page:A grammar of the Teloogoo language.djvu/142

 255 Although both the singular and plural inflexions of this pronoun end in s, they take, in the dative cases, & instead of i, in opposition to the general rules 132 - 146 & 153.

256 Addressing inferiors, or conversing familiarly with equals, >q) thou, the nominative singular of this pronoun, may be used ; but, when we speak to superiors, or even to equals or inferiors, with any degree of kindness or respect, the plual S>r5b you, is the only proper term of address. To be called &q) thou, bj a person decidedly his inferior, is an insult not be borne by the most meek Hindoo, he will resent it as studied disrespect, couched in the most bitter terms of reproach.

257 When much deference is paid to men of superior ago, rank, or learning, the speaker uses the words IT'S&o or &o&5b they, ~&sS$-zr>& or "^"^ SXs Lord, "Which correspond with the English phrases, Sir, My Lord &c. &c.

258 In the superior dialect "&>$) and -&>5b are sometimes used for&q) and^ 5 ^^)-

259 The pronouns of the first and second persons have their respective plural. numbers, 5kS5x> and SXr&>, as given above, corresponding precisely with our words we and you* But the first of these two pronouns in Teloogoo has likewise another plural, applying to both persons jointly, which, from the want of a corresponding term in English, we are obliged also to translate we. This plural is declined as follows.

N Sfotfaoo we G sfotf ,. 5&>csko' of us D SfctfSo to us Ace. 5Sbr^e> or 3fo#35boe> ?/.<? Ab SSo?5. er* - ~3 e t. &* n frc. us

There is a very material difference between ~So35w we, and S&Z>&x> we: iSoSSbo is the plural of the first person only, it refers exclusively to those who speak ; but o&f5&> i s a plural, used by the first person, but applying to the first and second persons conjointly ; it refers exclusively to neither, but includes both those who speak and those who are addressed, each of whom may be either one, or more persons. For example, if two gentlemen, meeting several