Lugamun is a highly analytic language, just like Mandarin (Standard Chinese). Words rarely change for purely grammatical purposes, instead the grammar mostly relies on word order and small words – often called particles – to clarify meaning and context.

While the goal of being highly analytic generally takes precedence, Lugamun also tends to be a fairly “average” language. Those structures and solutions that are most typical among the world’s languages are generally preferred. Explanations of why the grammar looks as it does will often refer to WALS, the World Atlas of Language Structures. References that start with “WALS” refer to a specific chapter number (e.g. “WALS 77” refers to chapter 77). If no additional information is given, this means that the most widespread solution described in that chapter has been adopted.

In cases where it provides additional useful information, we also consult APiCS, the Atlas of Pidgin and Creole Language Structures – a similar knowledge source covering only pidgins and creoles. References that start with “APiCS” refer to a chapter in that source.

English words and phrases cited as examples or translations are enclosed in ‘half quotation marks’.

Words and phrases in Lugamun are written in bold, often followed by a translation enclosed in ‘half quotation marks’. Words from other languages are written in italics, possibly followed by a translation as well.

Phonetic symbols use the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and are enclosed between /slashes/.

XXX Add an updated version of Lugamun: 400 words and big progress with the grammar as a short summary document between this chapter and the next (“Lugamun in a Nutshell”).