Complement Clauses

Complement clauses in Sereer generally involve the linking of the main clause with the subordinate clause using the complementizer "yee". The unmarked order appears to be the main clause followed by the subordinate clause, but inversion of this order is possible, as well.

Direct Reported Speech Pause between 1st and 2nd clause. (1) Alaya, abuga ombec. He said, "he likes to dance". (2) Alayaxam, bugaam ombec He told me, "I like to dance".

Indirect Reported Speech No pause necessary, complementizer is used. (3) Alaya yee axe fecaa. He said that he's dancing.

(4) Alaya yee mexe fecaa. He said that I'm dancing.

(5) Layam mee awe mbecaa. I said that they are dancing

Complements of belief and knowledge: same as with indirect reported speech (6) agima yee ɗaaneegaam He believes that I was sleeping

(7) afoga yee mexe ɗaanaa. He assumes that I'm sleeping.

(8) agimaɗaara yee mexe ɗaanaa. He doubts that I'm sleeping.

(9) a'anda yee mexe ɗaanaa. He knows that I'm sleeping.

(10) aweƈa yee mexe ɗaanaa. He forgot that I'm sleeping.