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16_Verbs_Aspectual Distinction (Root vs. Ů)

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Grammatical Concept: Primitives vs. Performances

Asaxi divides verbs into two classes based on their Derivation. This distinction dictates their inherent Lexical Aspect.

1. Root Verbs (The Primitives)

These belong to a closed class of ancient words describing fundamental interactions with reality.

The Rule: Root Verbs describe Achievements or Instantaneous Events.

  • They describe a change of state that happens in a specific moment.
  • Constraint: You cannot attach the suffix -ů to a Root Verb to stretch it out.

Examples:

  • xoxo (Depart) → The moment of leaving.
  • topù (Drop) → The moment of release.
  • ijo (Spot/See) → The moment of perception.

(Exception: A small subset of roots describing Locomotion, like haśù “Run”, are inherently durative Activities).

2. Derived Verbs (The Performances)

Formed using the Universal Verbalizer [[-ů (Active Copula)|-ů]] attached to a Noun.

The Rule: Derived Verbs describe Activities or Dynamic States.

  • They describe a continuous process that occupies time.
  • Examples: shěsonů (Reading), bwonů (Being fat), jýnů (Chatting).

3. Modifying Root Aspect

Since Root Verbs are instantaneous, you cannot simply “stretch” them into a continuous action using morphology. You must choose a specific strategy based on your intent.

A. Iteration (na-)

If you mean the action is happening repeatedly (a rapid series of instances), use the Iterative Prefix na-.

  • Meaning: “To keep [verbing]”, “To [verb] again and again”.
  • Structure: na-[Root Verb].
  • Example: ijo (Spot) → năjo (To keep spotting / To observe / To monitor). (Please note: The reason ijo + na = năjo is because of phonotactics; when a modifier which ends in a pure vowel monothong fuses with a verb which starts with i or w, it changes to its diphthong counterpart. It is still ok if one writes “naijo” instead of “năjo”, however.)

B. Lexical Replacement (Different Verb)

If you mean the action is a continuous state (Durative), you must use a different verb entirely (usually a Derived Verb from a related noun).

  • Example:
    • Instant: ijo (To spot/see).
    • Continuous: [Use a word for “Watch” or “Gaze”]. (You cannot say ijonů).
  • Example:
    • Instant: topù (To drop).
    • Continuous: Use the verbalized form of a noun (eg. rain), which is toponů. (You cannot say topùnů).

4. Other Aspectual Modifiers

  • The Completive Aspect (chå-): “Completely” / “Fully.” Used to show the result is total.

    • Example: Chåxoxo. (Departed for good / Gone).
    • Example -ů verb: Chåshěsonů. - (He / she / it / I) read completely. (finished reading)

  • The Inceptive Aspect (ni-): “To start” / “To begin.”

    • Example: Wo nixoxo I start to leave. (I am now packing my bags, getting ready to leave.)

Example A: Semelfactive Mismatch

Sentence: Topo topù. Components: Rain (Continuous Noun) + Drop (Instantaneous Root Verb). Meaning: “The rain dropped (once).” / “The rain hit (like a single solid object).”

Example B: Iterative or Contextual Coercion

Sentence: Shěso toponů. Components: Book (Solid Object) + Continuously Raining/Placing (Derived Verb). Meaning:

  1. Without Context: “Books are continuously raining.” (Iterative Mass).
  2. With Context (Anaphoric): “(I am) continuously placing the book.” (Transitive Activity).

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