Comparative constructions in the Khakass language (a case study of proverbs and sayings)

The comparative system of the Khakass language includes structures denoting comparative relations. Comparative constructions express the idea of choice and preference between two events. In the Khakass language, the comparative relations between two events are quite widely represented in proverbial constructions. Comparative relationships in Khakass proverbs and sayings are formalized through the use of the adverbial form on =ganҷa, the initial case form (=dan), the evaluative comparative of the arty “better.” Also, the service word gender “to be” in the form of the future tense (=ar) in combination with the name in the original case is used, correlative pairs heidi – idӧk “as – also,” hai sin – anӌoh, “how much ‒ as much” by whom – ol “who – that,” ninҷe – anҷa “how much – so much,” and haydag – andag “what ‒ such.” In the adverbial constructions of two possible situations, the situation in the main part is evaluated as preferable. The main predicate of the adverbial construction is expressed in the form of the infinitive, indicative, and imperative. The adverbial construction with the word arty “better” is evaluative. In the comparative-gradation construction, the main event does not replace the event of the dependent part. The predicate of the main part is expressed in the form of an indicative and the presence of an amplifying particle taa is mandatory. Pronominalcomparative constructions demonstrate feature congruence between subordinate and main parts. The equivalence of signs in Khakass proverbs is indicated through a variety of pronominal-comparative words.