The conditional mood in the Chalkan language

Abstract

This paper describes the conditional mood in the Chalkan language, which is expressed via the affix =zа (=zï) and can be formed in two ways: simple one when the =za form is attached to the stem of a simple verb; analytical one when the main verb is formed by various tense forms, and the verb pol= “to be” is used as an auxiliary verb in the form of =zа conditional mood. Such verbs may serve as finite predicates in simple sentences and predicates in subordinate clauses in complex sentences. As finite predicates in simple sentences, conditional mood markers may possess the meaning of de- sire to commit an action. However, the action tends to remain just a desire or regret of failure to perform the action. Verbs in the form of conditional mood as predicates in subordinate clauses in complex sentences express the conditionality of completing the action. If one event takes place, another one may also happen. The =zа form expresses the alternative ways of completing the action. The negative form of the conditional mood is formed by adding the negative affix =vа to the verb stem. In analytical verbal constructions, the negative form is added to the main verb, and the personal and conditional affixes are added to the auxiliary verb. Negative verbal constructions in the conditional form as a predicate of the subordinate clauses in complex sentences express the semantics of conditionality. The negative construction denotes the condition. If the action was not committed or is not to be committed, something has to be done to fulfill the condition.