Page:Adapting and Writing Language Lessons.pdf/324

Rh


 * . This is a two-way distinction. Its most characteristic mark is the prefix /-ra-/, which is used with 'disjunct' forms. Forms that are not disjunct are 'conjunct'. Only ten sets are committed with respect to this dimension. The significance of the distinction is grammatical: the conjunct must be followed by some kind of object or other word to which it is closely tied. The disjunct may be used without a following object, or with a following object where there is no close connection between verb and object.

Place a period after each disjunct form, to signify that it can be the last word in a sentence. Place three dots (...) after the conjunct forms, to signify that it must be followed by something further.

The intersection of these six dimensions with one another accounts for over 90 per cent of the forms of any Kirundi verb. There are however a few sets of forms which lie outside this framework. Most important are the subjunctive, the infinitive, and the imperative. These are differentiated for Dimension 1 (affirmative vs. negative), and the infinitive shows the tone Class of a verb (Dimension 5), but they are not marked for mood, tense, aspect, or linkage. These sets need not be discussed further in a brief synopsis.