Navigation:
The Generic Replacement
Grammatical Concept: Avoiding Redundancy in verbs
If a specific verb has already been established in a previous clause, the grammar dictates that it should not be repeated in subsequent clauses if the context is clear.
Instead of repeating the root, speakers use the Generic Active Copula ů (To be / To do / To act) as a Pro-Verb.
1. The Replacement Rule
If the action is identical but the parameters (Subject, Tense, Polarity) change, replace the specific Root Verb with ů.
- Full Repetition (Redundant):
John shěsonů dzè, Tom shěsonůná.(John reads, but Tom does not read.) - Efficient Replacement:
John shěsonů dzè, Tom ůná.(John reads, but Tom does not.)
2. Morphological Inheritance
The replacement verb ů inherits all necessary grammatical prefixes (Tense, Negation, Aspect) required by the new clause. It acts as a blank slate for the grammar.
Structure: [New Tense] + [New Polarity] + [Bridge -b-] + [ů]
- Example (Tense Shift):
- Sentence: “I read yesterday, but I will not (read) tomorrow.”
- Asaxi:
Hwo wo zèshěsonů dzè, pwo wo panábů. - Analysis:
pa(Future) +ná(Not) +b(Bridge) +ů. The root shěsonů is dropped.
3. Constraints
This rule only applies if the Root Meaning of the verb is unchanged. If the verb changes (e.g., from “Reading” to “Writing”), you must state the new verb.
- Valid:
John reads, but Tom does not (do so).→...Tom ůná. - Invalid:
John reads, but Tom writes.→ Must use specific verbs for both.