It is one of around a dozen languages that are described as having object–verb–subject word order (initially by linguist Desmond C.
These prefixes form an inverse-like pattern in which the argument highest in the hierarchy 2nd > 1st > 3rd is indexed on the verb.
If the object of a transitive verb outranks the subject according to this hierarchy, the appropriate O-prefix is used; otherwise, an A-prefix is used.
In most cases, the person prefixes unambiguously determine which of the arguments is the subject and which is the object.
"Indirect objects, however, follow the subject: bɨryekomoboyy-3SG-otahahit-ho-CAUS-no-IMM.PASTwosɨwomantɨnyoher-husbandwyabybɨryekomo y- otaha -ho -no wosɨ tɨnyo wyaboy 3SG- hit -CAUS -IMM.PAST woman her-husband by"The woman caused her husband to hit the boy.