Modal: modal
| Values: | Abil | Obl | Perm | Poss |
Modal is a verbal feature that can appear on verbs (VERB), verbal and modal auxiliaries (AUX), postpositions (ADP) and adverbs (ADV) in phrasal verb particles, and verbal nouns (NOUN).
Obl: Obligation
Obl expresses something that must be done, usually due to external factors like laws or rules. This value is used with the modal auxiliary geraha.
Examples
- Mwetheda adi thai mazohndi the geraha la? “Why do I have to do all the work?”
Abil: Ability
Abil expresses the ability or possibility that someone has to perform an action. This value is represented by the verbal suffix -ngam.
Examples
- Nahn mwe matamda woanngamrahn re mazok la? “When do you think you can come?”
Perm: Permission
Perm expresses the permission to perform an action. This value is represented by the verbal suffix -szu.
Examples
- Abeldi theyikke re phehnszuma la gu. “You can’t accuse Abel of being a traitor.”
Poss: Possibility
Poss expresses that the action is possible, but not certain. This value is represented by the verbal suffix -gum.
Examples
- Um, laile relaili hano theszumagumle “Yes, I have, but we might not be doing it here.”
Modal in other languages: [nmf]