Lozenge T.

44_Switching Actions

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Grammatical Concept: Replacement & Priority

Asaxi handles the concept of “Instead of X, do Y” by treating it as a sequence of Cessation (Stopping X) and Immediate Initiation (Starting Y).

1. The Imperative Switch (nåhè-)

Used to command someone to stop what they are doing and do something else immediately.

  • Etymology: nå (Now) + hè (Imperative).
  • Literal: “Now do!”
  • Structure: [Verb 1] + tomo + nåhè-[Verb 2]
    • Verb 1: The action to be stopped.
    • tomo: The cessation marker (glottal stop dropped).
    • nåhè-: The switch prefix attached to the new verb.
    • Verb 2: The new action.

Example:

Shěsonů tomo nåhèhaśù! read STOP NOW-DO-run “Stop reading (and) run!” / “Run instead of reading!“

2. The Declarative Switch (panå-)

Used to state that the subject will immediately switch to a new action, replacing whatever they are currently doing.

  • Structure: Prefix attached to the new verb.
  • Components: pa (Tense Prefix) (Future) + nå (Now).
  • Meaning: “I will [Verb] now.” (Implies a change of plan or activity).

Example:

To wo panåshěsonů. SUBJ 1SG FUT-NOW-read “I will read now (instead of what I am doing).”

Distinction:

  • panå- (Prefix): Switch / Immediate Future (“I will read now”).
  • …panå (Suffix): Prospective / Not Yet (“I haven’t read yet”).

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