NewLang/Converbs

Simple Converb

Simple converbs come in two forms: simultaneous and consecutive.

Simultaneous

The simple simultaneous converb is formed by reduplicating the stressed vowel of the verb to the beginning of the word.

gura -> ugura

Simultaneous converbs have an adverbial meaning that happens in parallel or in conjunction with the main verb.

Consecutive

The simple consecutive converb is formed by reduplicating the initial sound of the verb followed by a ' . If the verb does not begin with a consonant, n is used instead.

gura -> g'gura

Consecutive converbs form serial verb like constructions with the implied meaning of 'and then' - the actions happen one after the other.

Converb Arguments

The simple converb (either form) inherits all of the arguments from the main verb.

Complex Converb

Need to revise

A complex converb is one that includes noun-incorporation.

Form

The complex form is created by compounding a noun with a verb, and then reduplicating the stressed vowel of the verb to the front of the compound.

gura semoa -> uzemoagura

Incorporated Noun Meaning

Complex converbs inherit the trigger argument of the main verb. The incorporated noun acts as a secondary argument of the converb.

Most commonly, the noun will fill the accusative role for the converb, but this isn't exclusive. The exact argument that the argument fills is usually defined by the context of the utterance.