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Grammatical Concept: The Hierarchy of Truth
In Asaxi, the grammar strictly separates Objective Fact from Subjective Opinion. The choice of words dictates whether the speaker claims to know the absolute truth or is merely offering a perspective.
1. Objective Certainty (The “Is” System)
The use of specific grammatical forms implies 100% certainty. You cannot use these if you are guessing.
A. The Stative Particle (xiŕa)
- Meaning: “It is a fact.”
- Logic: Defines reality.
- Constraint: Using
xiŕameans you have proof or absolute conviction.
B. Constitutional Nouns (ga- Compounds)
- Meaning: “Physically/Materially X.”
- Logic:
Gafůbåbå(Muscleless) is a diagnosis. - Constraint: You cannot use a
ga-noun to describe a vibe or impression. You must use an adjective (-nă) or qualify it.
C. The Active Copula (ů)
- Meaning: “Is being/acting.”
- Certainty: High certainty regarding the current action, but does not assert permanent truth.
2. Subjective Qualification (The tte Construction)
To express degrees of certainty, Asaxi uses the Quotative/Topic Particle tte followed by a Cognitive Verb.
- Structure:
[Statement] tte [Cognitive Verb] - Logic: “As for [Statement], I [Cognition].”
The Certainty Scale
| Level | Expression | Components | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute | (Direct Statement) | None | ”It is.” (Fact). |
| Sure | tte xăcè | xă (Truly) + cè (Know) | “I am sure that…” / “I know for a fact.” |
| Known | tte cè | cè (Know) | “I know that…” |
| Think | tte ŕima | ŕima (Think) | “I think that…” / “I reckon.” |
| Unsure | tte pùŕima | pù (Under) + ŕima | ”I’m not at all sure” / “I suspect/weakly think.” |
| Doubt | tte náŕima | ná (Not) + ŕima | ”I don’t think that…“ |
3. Temporal Judgments (Past & Future Certainty)
Speakers can comment on the validity of a past or future event by using tte with a Tensed Stative.
A. Subjective Past (“That’s how I think it was”)
[Statement] tte ŕima zèxiŕa.
QTthinkPAST-EXIST“That’s how I think it was.” (Somewhat uncertain).
- Logic: “As for that, thought existed.” (The thought occurred, but the fact is memory).
B. Subjective Fact (“That’s how it was”)
[Statement] tte sỏxiŕa.
QTMEMORIC-EXIST“That’s how it was (in my memory).”
- Logic: Uses the Subjective Past sỏ-. It asserts the fact, but frames it as a personal memory rather than a history book entry.
C. Future Fact (“That’s how it will be”)
[Statement] tte paxiŕa.
QTFUT-EXIST“That’s how it will be.” (Prophecy / Certainty).