Grammar and vocabulary
What the grammar and vocabulary domain tests
This section checks control of Skolt Sámi inflection and word formation: noun number and case, verb person/number/tense/mood, pronoun choice, negation, agreement, derivation and compounds. Vocabulary items test precision, not just recognition.
Core rules
- Nouns inflect for singular, dual and plural, and for a case system that separates location, direction, instrument, absence and state. Learn stems with their grade alternation, because consonant gradation can change the ending-bearing stem.
- Genitive and accusative may share a form in the singular; decide by function: possessor or source vs direct object.
- Verbs agree with the subject in person and number, including dual. Tense and mood are marked on the verb; negation uses a negative verb plus a connegative main verb.
- Pronouns are mon, ton, son; muäna, tuäna, suäna; mii, tii, sii. Possessive and case forms are built on these stems.
- Word order is flexible but not free: it signals topic and focus. Do not assume Finnish or Norwegian case government.
- For vocabulary, identify the derivational suffix or compound head; Skolt Sámi often builds new words transparently.
Worked example
A gap-fill sentence means 'He went into the house.' Two noun forms are offered, one locative and one illative. Reasoning: the verb is a motion verb and the meaning is destination, so the illative is required; the locative would mean 'in the house'. Word order does not decide this. If the sentence meant 'He is in the house', the locative would be correct.
Traps that cost marks
- Using a plural ending with a dual subject.
- Forgetting consonant gradation and choosing an ending that attaches to the wrong stem.
- Marking negation on the main verb instead of using the negative verb.
- Translating a Finnish or Russian prepositional phrase case-for-case.
- Confusing a derivational suffix with an inflectional ending.
- Choosing a vocabulary item by topic rather than by grammatical fit.