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Nouns & Ang/Ng/Sa Articles

The three article sets: ang (topic), ng (genitive/object), sa (locative)
The Philippine Basic Clause structure
topic plus predicate fundamental structure
varies
Filipino linguistics uses topic not subject; predicate-first is unmarked order
Symmetrical voice debate
are all four voices equally active constructions?
varies
Some linguists argue all voices are equally active, not passive transformations
Ang-marked topic semantic roles survey
topic can be agent, patient, goal, instrument, or beneficiary
varies
The -um-/-mag-/-in/-an/-i- affix system determines topic's semantic role
External possession constructions
body parts and inalienably possessed nouns
varies
Nasaktan ang kamay niya = His hand was hurt (external possession pattern)
Linker ng as subordinator
ng functioning as complementizer in some analyses
varies
In some analyses, ng clauses are nominalized verb phrases functioning as complements
Affective/emphatic constructions
special constructions for emotional loading
varies
Ang sama-sama naman niya! = How terrible of him! (affective intensification)
Ang plus infinitive nominalizations
ang plus verb as subject noun phrase
varies
Ang kumain ng gulay ay mabuti = Eating vegetables is good
Syntax of focus and information structure
how the focus system encodes discourse information structure
varies
Topic = discourse-given; predicate = new information in most analyses
Nominal sentences and the copula gap
absence of overt copula in Tagalog
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Predicate plus topic directly without linking verb in nominal sentences
Genitive ang in archaic and poetic texts
old uses of ang in possessive function
varies
Pre-modern texts show ang in possessive function now taken over by ng