Lesson 9: Subject Marker "i"

The subject marker "i" is unique to Bislama. It's a small word that comes between the subject and the verb.

The Rule: When the subject is NOT "mi" or "yu", add "i" before the verb.

With "i": - Hem i go — He/She goes - Ol man i kam — The men come - Dog i ron — The dog runs - Mama blong mi i kuk — My mother cooks - Ren i kam — Rain is coming

Without "i" (mi and yu only): - Mi go — I go ✓ (NOT "Mi i go" ✗) - Yu kam — You come ✓ (NOT "Yu i kam" ✗) - Yumi go — We go ✓ (special case: yumi, yutufala, mifala — no "i")

Why? The "i" marker helps separate the subject from the verb, making sentences clearer. Think of it as a subject indicator: "this is the thing doing the action."

Common Mistake: Don't add "i" after mi or yu! This is the most common beginner mistake.