Introduction to Ccaizhdi Punctuation
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Ccaizhdi uses a somewhat different punctuation from English, though at a broad level there are many similarities. The biggest differennce is that they have fewer symbols, which tend to be more versatile. The table below lists them, and I then explain their uses in more detail.
| Keyboard |
Symbol function |
Symbol |
| ! |
raised / strengthened voice or exclamations |
! |
| ? |
lowered / saddened voice or questions |
? |
| < > |
Start and end quotes |
< > |
| . |
full stop |
. |
| , |
listing, introducing relative clauses |
, |
| ., |
connecting non-relative clauses, offsetting lists |
., |
The Ccaizhdi ! is used not only when someone is shouting or raising their voice, but when they strengthen it--such as speaking with great determination without even raising your voice. It can be used for exclamations of shock, but is never used for exclamations of fear. Those take a full stop (.) instead.
The Ccaizhdi ? is used not only for questions, but also when someone speaks in a sorrowful or deep voice. Ccaizhdi lower their voice when they ask questions, which is why this symbol came to be a question mark.
The Ccaizhdi , is used in all cases English uses a comma. What we call the Oxford comma (is, writing "a, b, and c" rather than "a, b and c") is mandatory in Ccaizhdi.
For example:
- I see ducks, elephants, and dragons.
- The shrine, which is on that hill, is large.
- I would, if I could.
- I want do, but I cannot.
The Ccaizhdi ., is at a board level similar to a semicolon. When needed, it can also act like a colon or a dash. However, it may never offset relative clauses--only the Ccaizhdi comma can do that.
For example:
- I see a duck., the duck sees me.
- I see a few animals., lions, tigers, and bears
The Ccaizhdi quotes <> and full stop . work they do in English.
Go ahead and use the text box below to try it out!
ropaestow wae,
yoxaew uox,
zai wow ri aefwow neft!