pronominaaliset

Pronominaaliset is a Finnish linguistics term referring to pronominal forms, that is, words and forms that function as pronouns or as pronoun-like modifiers within phrases. They substitute for nouns or noun phrases and can also mark reference, deixis, possession, or agreement. The category covers both independent pronouns (such as personal, demonstrative, interrogative, relative, and indefinite pronouns) and pronominal determiners or adjectives that accompany nouns (for example possessive forms in the noun phrase, like taloni “my house,” talomme “our house”).

In Finnish, pronominaaliset are typically inflected for person and number and, in many cases, for case as well. They participate in the same syntactic and morphological processes as ordinary nouns and adjectives, but their primary function is referential rather than lexical naming. They can serve as subjects, objects, or other arguments, and they are essential for forming anaphoric and deictic references across clauses. The Finnish system is notably gender-neutral for the third person, with pronouns such as hän used for both he and she, while demonstratives and possessives provide additional referential nuance.

Examples of pronominaaliset include the personal pronouns minä, sinä, hän; demonstratives tämä, tuo, se; interrogatives kuka, mikä; relatives joka; and indefinites joku, mikään. Possessive forms attached to nouns (taloni, talomme) are also treated as pronominaaliset within noun phrases. The concept contrasts with ordinary nouns and adjectives by emphasizing referential function and argument-structure in discourse.

See also: pronoun, pronominal.