Lausejaon

Lausejaon is a term used in linguistics to describe the division of a sentence into clauses for analytical purposes. The word combines lause (sentence) and jaon (division) in Estonian, and the term is mainly used in Estonian-language grammar discussions, though the underlying idea—identifying clause boundaries and structure—appears in many languages under different labels.

In practice, lausejaon involves distinguishing the main clause (the independent part) from subordinate clauses, as well as handling coordinating clauses. Analysts may annotate sentences with clause boundaries, construct syntactic trees, or mark functional roles such as subject and predicate. Boundaries are indicated by punctuation, conjunctions, or prosodic cues.

Common tasks include identifying finite verbs, determining clause types (main vs subordinate, relative clauses, adverbial clauses), and examining how the arrangement of clauses affects information structure and emphasis.

Examples help illustrate the concept. The sentence The researcher analyzed the sentence and identified the main clause and several subordinate clauses contains a main clause joined to a coordinating clause by and. Another example, Although it rained, the match continued, shows a subordinate clause at the front and a main clause afterward. These examples demonstrate how lausejaon identifies where one clause ends and another begins, and how that division informs interpretation.

Limitations: The term is most commonly used within specific linguistic traditions, and other languages may describe similar analyses with different labels. As a concept, lausejaon aligns with broader theories of clause structure and syntax.