Page:A handbook of the Cornish language; Chiefly in its latest stages with some account of its history and literature.djvu/152

Rh or by na, not. When the inflected form has been used in the question, the inflected form is often used also, preceded by the personal pronoun, in affirmative answers. Thus:—

'Elough why clappya Kernuak? Can you speak Cornish?

Mi ellam (not mî a el}. I can.

'Aljesta serif a Sowsnak? Couldst thou write English?

Mî aljen. I could.

'Allosta môs dhô'n chŷ? Canst thou go to the house?

Mî ellam. I can.

Na orama dr'el an Kembrîan gwîl rag dhô witha 'ga thavas - I know not what the Welsh may do to preserve their language. (Boson's Nebbaz Gerriau. Radn alja bos parres dhô lavarel Some might be prepared to say. (Boson's Nebbaz Gerriau).

Sometimes the verb gǒthvos, to know (for which see Chapter XI.), is used to express can, especially when mental capability is more or less intended. Mî ôr (or mî wôr) cowsa Sowsnak, I can speak English. Compare a similar use of savoir in French.

§ 4. Menny, to will, to wish.

I., I will.

(a). Inflected.

(b). Impersonal.

Mî a vedn, tî a vedn, etc.