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06_Verbs in Asaxi

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Grammatical Concept: The Closed Class & Verbalization

Asaxi possesses a “closed class” of Root Verbs (primitive words like xoxo, topu, tomo'). Instead of coining new unique roots for every action, the language relies on a Universal Verbalization System.

This system converts Nouns into Verbs using the suffix -ů. It transforms a static “thing” into the dynamic act of “performing,” “using,” or “being like” that thing.

1. Modes of Verbalization (The -ů System)

When attaching -ů to a noun, you must insert a Mode Infix (Bridge Consonant). This consonant defines the logic of the conversion.

Formula: [Noun] + [Mode Infix] + [ů] = [Active Verb]

(See Note 06_To Be in Asaxi_Active Verb and Stative Particle for the full inventory of infixes. ) (See Note 16_Verbs_Aspectual Distinction (Root vs. Ů) for detailed aspectual properties).

Special Morphological Rule: Syllabic Reduction

If the source noun ends in a syllabic nasal (-mm, -nn, -nŋ), the double consonant is reduced to a single consonant before adding the infix (“bridge”).

Logic: nn + n → n + n. mm + n → m + n. nŋ + n → ŋ + n.

Example: kamm (Building) → kamnů (To use a building).

2. Lexical Aspect

All Derived Verbs (-ů) share the same inherent aspect: Activity.

  • Nature: They describe a process that takes time. They are never instantaneous.
  • Allowed: Dynamic States (“Being sad”), Activities (“Reading”).
  • Disallowed: Instantaneous Achievements (“Noticing”). These require Root Verbs.

Disambiguation: Asaxi -ů is not a participle (like English “-ing”). It is the main verb.

  • John shěsonů. = “John reads.” / “John is reading.” (Full Predicate).

3. Negation Logic

To negate a verb, the particle ná attaches to the end of the verbalizer.

  • Structure: [Noun] + [Mode] + [ů] + [ná]
  • Example: shěsonůná (Does not read).
  • Note: If Tense prefixes are used, ná migrates to the front (see Note 14).

4. Syntactic Structure (Predicate Finality)

Asaxi is strictly predicate-final. The verbalized word acts as a single, indivisible unit at the end of the clause.

Formula: [Subject] + (Object) + [Derived Verb]

Sentence Construction

To John shěso shěsonů. SUBJ John book book-PERF-ACT “John reads the book.” (Literally: John performs-book the book).

To John shěso shěsoxů. SUBJ John book book-INTER-ACT “John does the book to (someone).” (Context: Gives/Throws).

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