Verb: γ, κ, χ endings

MorphologyVerb – γ, κ, χ endings

• Final γ, κ, and χ in the stem of verbs combine with consonantal endings in the following ways
• γ/κ/χ + σ = ξ (Elusa/Luso)
• γ/κ/χ + θ = γ or χθ (Aorist/Luso psv)
• γ/κ/χ + κ = often γ or χ (Leluka)

fromLesson 38.1

SemanticsVerb – Luo (6 – Pre-stage)

In 9.4.3.2, we noted that verbs that refer to instantaneous events (which are called achievements) are often interpreted as events that culminate when used in narrative. However, these verbs may also refer to a habit (see 6.3.3.2) or to the pre-stage of an event:

• (380) Pre-stage of an event
• Half of my possessions, lord, τοῖς πτωχοῖς δίδωμι [I am giving to the poor] (Luke 19:8)

Zacchaeus is not in the physical act of distributing half of his possessions to the poor as he is speaking to Jesus. In other words, he is not in the midst of carrying out the event, which would be the event-in-progress interpretation. Nor, however, can this be interpreted as a past event or a habitual event. It must refer to a future act of giving, but the future tense is not used. The present is used here to refer to the pre-stage of the event. Zacchaeus says he is giving (present tense) to the poor because he has already decided to give. It is in this sense that the event has already begun. Thus, the Luo form can be used for events (especially instantaneous ones, i.e. achievements) that have already been decided but have not yet begun.

fromLesson 38.1