Changing Verb Classes
Some verbs are automatically both specific and non-specific verbs, depending only on which suffixes they receive. The verb taku- - to see - is one example. However, other verbs require an additional suffix to shift classes.
Many action verbs that specifically involve an actor performing an action on another are specific verbs that take the suffix -si- in order to become non-specific verbs:
-
Specific: Qukiqtara qimmiq I just shot the dog. Non-specific: Qukiqsijunga qimmirmik I just shot a dog.
Many verbs of emotion alternate between the suffixes -suk- and -gi- to change whether or not they are specific:
-
Non-specific: Ilirasuktunga ilisaijimik I'm intimidated by a teacher Specific: Iliragijara ilisaiji I'm intimidated by the teacher
This is important when attributing an emotion to a person without designating the cause. To do so, Inuktitut always uses the non-specific form:
- Kuppiasuktunga I'm afraid
Read more about this topic: Inuit Grammar
Famous quotes containing the words changing, verb and/or classes:
“It has been the struggle between privileged men who have managed to get hold of the levers of power and the people in general with their vague and changing aspirations for equality, for justice, for some kind of gentler brotherhood and peace, which has kept that balance of forces we call our system of government in equilibrium.”
—John Dos Passos (1896–1970)
“The word is the Verb, and the Verb is God.”
—Victor Hugo (1802–1885)
“... too much attention is paid to dress by those who have neither the excuse of ample means nor of social claims.... The injury done by this state of things to the morals and the manners of our lower classes is incalculable.”
—Mrs. H. O. Ward (1824–1899)