NewLang/Converbs

Simple Converb

Form

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

gura -> ugura

Converbs do not take any verbal inflection (i.e. trigger suffixes). However, they can take derivational suffixes.

Adverbial Meaning

The simple converb inherits all of the arguments from the main verb.

Complex Converb

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.