Muutujatena

Muutujatena, also referred to as the Pluralis Excellentiae, is a rare linguistic phenomenon observed in some Finnic languages, including Estonian and Finnish. It is a noun form that functions as a plural intensifier, emphasizing the exceptional or remarkable quality of a noun.

Muutujatena is typically used to express surprise, interest, or admiration towards a noun that already conveys a sense of abundance or multiplicity. This linguistic feature is often employed in everyday conversation, literature, and formal writing to add emphasis or create a particular tone. For example, the phrase "kalliit keinud" would mean "beautiful flowers" in Estonian, whereas "kalliitena küpad" would convey a sense of exceptional beauty.

The use of muitujatena is often difficult for learners of these languages to master due to its subtle nature. Native speakers will employ it in a way that Polish linguist Jan Niecisław Baudouin de Courtenay described as "overmultiple", highlighting the remarkable or striking aspect of the noun. This linguistic peculiarity has also generated interest among scholars studying the grammatical complexities of Finnic languages.

Muutujatena is considered a feature of older languages, and its usage has decreased in contemporary writing, particularly in informal texts. However, it remains an important part of the linguistic heritage of Estonian and Finnish cultures. Its study continues to interest linguists examining the historical development and modern usage of these languages.