As per the Paici language, I will make use of contrastive tones. Since three exist in that language, I can see how that same number of contrastive tones would be used for the aspects of the verb. I established that the Kiyagi language uses vowel harmony when conjugating verbs to conform to the subject pronoun. Then, I tried to see how past and future tense would apply to the verbs. Now, I need to deal with the verb when it comes to aspect.
Contrastive tones occur in the Paici language mainly among words that look similar yet have different meanings. Because Paici has the least amount of influence, I would not worry too much about applying contrastive tones within a different context. In which case, Kiyagi contrastive tones would apply to aspect.
Perfective Case
This is to refer to an action that reached completion. As such, I can see how the high-toned, elongated mora of the verb would suffice.
Buhlez pàká:ya?
[Did I completely fall?]
Imperfective Case
When it comes to tone in the imperfective case, while the high-toned, elongated mora applies to the perfective case, the imperfective case would fit within the low-tone mora. I noticed how Paici contrastive tones tend to deescalate throughout the sentence, though I wouldn’t have a problem if the tones reached the pinnacle of the sentence and then descended. As such, the perfective sentences would feature a falling-to-rising tone.
As mentioned in my previous entry, the auxiliary verb would need to be used to refer to an existential sentence or question; while it can easily apply to an imperfective sentence.
Təztel níblìhim s’iyash.
[She will be releasing the bird.]
Or
Buhtəzlez nàm wolang bndada?
[Was he going over there to a new land?]
Upon realizing that I would need to retcon my previous sample sentences for future installments, I could just provide nuance here as to what makes toneless verbs different from toned ones. However, I already came this far, and I might as well make the change. I will use this system from here on. Indeed, the very point of this series is to document my progress with my conlang. I can expect myself to change many features of the language before I am completely satisfied.
Aspect And The Kiyagi’s NASA
Let’s see more of how the aspect would play out in one more sentence.
Lez nùmshlezn s’sodeng.
[They [here] were going to see the sun.]
As for what the Kiyagi would call NASA, or “National Aeronautics and Space Administration,” then it would involve less of a calque translation and more of a poetic meaning.
s’Aizenrno Ruosho Ail
[National Space Administration]
[the Black Sea Attending [of the] Nation]
Expanded Reading
- Bannersglare, Robert-Scott. “Kiyagi Expanded Reading.”