Converbs are verb forms used to express the manner or context of an action, enhancing the depth and functionality of constructed languages.
Converbs simplify language by providing a concise way to convey complex ideas and can be used to express motion events, resultative constructions, and polite commands in constructed languages.
Deep dives
The Use of Converbs in Language Creation
Converbs, which are verb forms used to express the manner or context in which an action takes place, are a useful tool in language creation. They can be employed to convey various ideas, such as motion events, resultative constructions, and polite commands. By using converbs, conlangers can better capture the nuanced meanings and functions found in natural languages. The development of converbs can arise from a reanalysis of conjunctions, through the evolution of nominalized forms, or as a means to avoid the proliferation of affixes. While different languages may have their own specific features and uses for converbs, the underlying concept remains consistent across various language families and can enhance the depth and functionality of a conlang.
The Benefits of Using Converbs in Language Creation
In language creation, employing converbs offers several advantages. They allow for the expression of manner, motion, and other adverbial senses, providing a clearer and more concise way to convey complex ideas. Converbs can simplify the language by replacing multiple prepositions or affixes with a single form. Additionally, they add depth and realism to a conlang, aligning it more closely with natural languages. By employing converbs, conlangers can craft languages with greater nuance and flexibility, enabling speakers to express a wide range of actions and contexts more effectively.
Different Uses of Converbs in Language Creation
Converbs can be used in various ways in language creation. They can help express motion events, such as going into or out of a place, or provide a means to describe the manner in which an action is carried out. Converbs can also play a role in constructing resultative constructions or in conveying polite requests or commands. Their flexible nature allows conlangers to adapt their usage to suit the specific needs and nuances of their conlang, adding richness and depth to the overall language structure.
Exploring the Origins of Converbs in Language Creation
The historical development of converbs in language creation can involve a reanalysis of conjunctions, the evolution of nominalized forms, or the creation of separate verb forms for manner expressions. While natural languages often feature converbs as part of their grammatical structures, conlangers have the freedom to explore different origins and conceptualize converbs in unique ways. By understanding the various possibilities, conlangers can create more realistic and diverse languages that reflect the complexity found in natural languages.
Today, Matt Pearson joins George and William to talk about non-finite “adverbial” verb forms called converbs. Top of Show Greeting: Old Niveni Links and Resources: Imperative Converb in Archi (conference abstract) Expressing adverbial relations in clause linkage with converbs: definitional and typological considerations (workshop slides) Ylikoski, J. (2003). Defining non-finites. Action nominals, converbs and infmitives.... Read more »
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode