54
The negative conjunction
Textbook: p. 99
GoalKnow the meaning and use of the negative conjunction (na ... na).
New words
negative conjunction · inkor bog‘lovchisineither ... nor · na ... napredicate · kesimaffirmative form · tasdiq shakl
Explanation
Na ... na is a conjunction that links homogeneous members or sentences and at the same time denies each of them; it is called the negative conjunction. Its meaning is that none of the listed things exists or happens. Note: when na ... na is a conjunction, the predicate is not negative but affirmative, because the negation is given by the conjunction itself: Osmonda na oy, na yulduz ko‘rinardi (Neither the moon nor a star could be seen in the sky). If “na” comes alone and the predicate is negative, it is working as a particle. “Na” is repeated before each homogeneous member, and a comma is put before the second “na”.
Worked examples
Na yomg‘ir, na shamol bor edi (There was neither rain nor wind) — neither existed.
Na bog‘da, na hovlida birorta odam ko‘rindi (Not a single person was seen either in the garden or in the yard) — na ... na denies the place members; the predicate is affirmative.
Class activity
“Na ... na” game: the teacher begins “Sinfda na ... na ...” and you continue.
Practice
1
Which is the negative conjunction?
Na ... na.
2
Complete: Stolda na ... , na ... bor.
E.g. Stolda na kitob, na daftar bor.
3
In which form is the predicate when na ... na is a conjunction?
In the affirmative form.
4
Why is “na ... na” counted as a conjunction linking homogeneous parts?
Because it links two parts of equal standing and denies both.