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Published in 2011 by MPublishing
University of Michigan Library
© Ernest T. Abdel-Massih
This volume is reprinted from the 1971 edition by arrangement with the Center for Near Eastern
and North African Studies, University of Michigan
Permission is required to reproduce material from this title in other publications, coursepacks,
electronic products, and other media.
Please send permission requests to:
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ISBN 978-1-60785-222-3
14
~e 9tama
1MDpC7f M7I')cc
Tangier. ~Sebta
/00T Tetouan
Larach ° '0 _ -Hmema
Chechaouen
°Oujda
°Volubilis
Sale 0 Fez 0
Ra0 Taza
Casabiannes efro
Casab anc efr0
Azrou
0
El Jadida 0 Midelt
0
0 Ksar es Souk
SaiMarrakesh °Erfoud
0
Ouarzazatt
Ag adi r
0
Zagora
Ifni
0 Goulimine
DISTANCES FROM CASABLANCA IN MILES
Al Hoceima .. 338 Marrakesh... 149
Agadir.......... 330 Meknes.......... 146
Azrou........... 189 Midelt.......... 267
Chechaouen 205 Ouarzazate ...273
El Jadida... 62 Oujda........... 403
Erfoud.......... 403 Rabat............ 58
Fez.........183 Safi............ 158
Goulimine....... 453 Tangier......... 236
Larache......... 180 Taza............ 257
Tetuan.......... 248
Foreword
The preparation of this volume and the accompanying one,
A Course in Spoken Tamazight, was initiated and supported by the
University of Michigan Center for Near Eastern and North African
Studies as part of its general program of research and training
on the languages and cultures of North Africa. A series of
studies in anthropology, history and political science are in
preparation, as well as instructional materials on Moroccan
Arabic.
We are indebted to the Ford Foundation, which is in no way
responsible for the specific consequences, for the grants to the
Center that have made this work possible. We are most grateful
for the tolerance of the people and government of Morocco in
accommodating, and often actively assisting, the work of our faculty
and students.
W.D. Schorger
Director
Acknowledgements
This book and its companion, A Course in Spoken Tamazight,
were made possible by the cooperation of a number of individuals.
In particular, I would like to express my appreciation to Mr.
Mohammed Raamouch whose comments and constructive remarks were a
great help to me in the formulation of the grammar of Ayt Ayache.
Thanks are also due to Mr. Mohammed Guerssel who, by his linguistic
competence and insightful observations, contributed greatly to the
comparative notes on the two dialects.
In addition, I would like to express my thanks to Professor
William D. Schorger, who, as Director of the Center for Near
Eastern and North African Studies at the University of Michigan,
initiated the program of research on North African languages and
linguistics. The Center defrayed the costs of research assistants,
field trips, typists, tapes and tape recordings, as well as, provid-
ing me with the time and opportunity to carry out the field research
and the analysis.
I owe an especial debt to my colleagues Professor Ernest N.
McCarus and Professor Gene M. Schramm who gave their time freely for
linguistic discussions during the early stages of the research that
led to the formulation of this present work; I am grateful to them
for their many creative suggestions.
Also, I wish to extend thanks to Professor Lionel Galand of
L'Ecole Nationale des Langues Orientales Vivantes, Paris, for his
helpful comments on an earlier draft of the units, particularly the
-vi-
Ayt Ayache materials.
And I am also grateful to Professor J. Bynon of the School of
Oriental and African Studies, University of London for his en-
lightening discussions on the problems of Tamazight phonology and
word boundary.
I am deeply grateful to my wife, Cecile, whose patience, con-
stant encouragement and deep understanding have sustained my efforts
throughout the work on this book.
Ann Arbor, Michigan E.T.A.
January, 1971
-vii-
Introduction
This book grew out of the great need for a short
reference grammar of the Berber language in general and
of the Tamazight dialect in particular that could be used
by college students in an elementary course. The first
version of the present grammar (1966) concentrated on the
phonology and the morphology of the Ayt Ayache dialect of
Tamazight and was used in an experimental class organized
at the University of Michigan. The second version was
completed in 1968, Work of the grammar of Ayt Seghrouchen
Tamazight began in December 1968. The formulation of the
comparative notes came after the completion of the grammar
of the two affiliated dialects.
The language of this book is Tamazight, a dialect of
Berber, spoken in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco.
Berber is spoken mainly in North Africa (Libya, Tunisia,
Algeria and Morocco) and in Siwa (UAR). It is also spoken
by the Tuareg groups in Muritania and the countries of
the Sahara (Mali, Niger and Chad). Berber, a branch of the
Afro-Asiatic family of languages is exclusively an unwritten
language. It is divided into some three hundred or more
distinct local dialects. The number of the speakers of
- viii -
Berber have been estimated to be 5,000,0001 to 7,000,0002
and over 10,0000003. Berber speakers are discontinuously
distributed from the Siwa Oasis in Egypt to the Atlantic
Ocean and from the Niger River to the Mediter*anean Sea.
(See the map on p. vi for the distribution of the Berber
dialects in general and the map on p. vii for the distribution
of the Berber dialects particularly in Morocco.) It is
possible to distinguish four basic dialect groups of Berber:
I. Tamazight, a dialect of the Middle Atlas Mountains
in Central Morocco. Among the speakers of Tamazight
(which number approximately 2,000,000) are the
following groups (tribes, subtribes):
Beni Ouarain, Ait Morghi, Ait Alaham, Ait Youb,
Marmoucha, Ait Seghrouchen, Ait Youssi, Beni Mguild,
Zaiane, Zemmour, Ait Rbaa, Ait Seri, Beni Mtir,
Guerouane, Ait Segougou, Ait Morghad, Ait Ayache,
Ait Hadiddou, Ait Izdeg, Ait Sikhmane, Ait Atta.
II. Tasheihit (or Shilha), dialect of the High and
Anti-Atlas and the Sous Valley in Southern Morocco.
There are approximately 2,000,000 speakers of this
dialect.
1 Encyclopedia of Islam, vol. I, Fasciulus 19, Leiden,
Netherlands, 1959, p. 1177.
2 Ju. N. Zavadovskij, Berberski jazyk (The Berber Language),
Moscow, 1967, p. 7.
3 EnTcycloedia Britannica, vol. 3, Encyclopedia Britannica Inc.,
Wmn. Ben on, Chicago, 1970, p. 496.
- ix -
III. Zenatiya, a dialect of about 2,000,000 speakers.
Zenatiya distinguishes the following sub-groupings:
a) Rifian or Tarifit (spoken by about
0.5 million Rifians in Northern and
Northeastern Morocco)
b) Kabyli (spoken by about 1,300,000 speakers),
dialect of the Kabyle tribes in the Kabyle
Mountains of Algeria
c) Zenatiya Mzabian (spoken by about 25,000
speakers in Mzab by the Mzabites of Ghardaia)
d) Shawia or Tashawit (spoken by about 150,000
speakers in the Aures Mountains of Algeria)
IV. Tamashek, dialect of the Tuareg groups in
Muritania and the open Sahara.
Many speakers of Berber in North Africa are bilingual,
with Arabic being their second language. Many of the men speak
Berber, Arabic and French, while the women are more conservative.
The main focus of the language of this book is the Tamazight
dialects of Ayt Ayache and Ayt Seghrouchen. Ayt Ayache is a
tribe composed of twenty-two villages along the Ansegmir River,
at the foot of Ayachi Mountain, about thirty kilometers west
of the town of Midelt. The limit on the east is National
Highway No. 21, on the south the Ayt Yahya tribe at Road No. 3420
and on the north and west the Beni Mguild tribe at Road No. 3422.
-x -
K
Atlantic
Ocean
Mediterranean Sea
SST
Djerba
M
Algeria
t
Libya
G
Mauritania
A(G)
G
Mali
G
G
Niger
Chad
Sudan
Geographic Distribution of the 1 j or Berber Dialects.
RB Ri fian
T =Tarrazight
SHl= Sh ilha
K Kabyle
Sid
Ti
A (G)
G
-Shawia
-Mzabidin
-Aheggar
(Tourage)
-Toua reg
,**Ma~rrake sh**** 4 44 H
c a~E-a a- bOu r.z az rat
Zenatiya (Rifian) Speakers
Tanazight Speakers
Ta sheihi s (Sh-l'ha) Speakers ___
Geographic Distribution of Berber Dialects in Morocco
-xii -
Ayt Ayache Tamazight is mutually intelligible with the speech
of neighboring tribes. Ayt Seghrouchen is a much larger tribe
than Ayt Ayache. It is divided into three major sub-tribes:
(1) Ayt Seghrouchen of Sidi Ali, known as Ayt Seghrouchen of
Tichikout, (2) Ayt Seghrouchen of Imouzzer and (3) Ayt
Seghrouchen of Talesinnt. The limits of the Ayt Seghrouchen
of Sidi Ali are the Beni Ouarain to the north, Ayt Youssi to the
south, Ayt Seghrouchen of Imouzzer and Beni Mguild to the
west and southwest and Oulad El-Haj to the east. Ayt Seghrouchen
of Imouzzer lies about 30 kilometers south of Fez, surrounded
by Ayt Youssi, Beni Mtir and the town of Sefrou. The limits of
Ayt Seghrouchen of Talesinnt are Oulad El-Haj, Ayt Yafelmane,
the town of Midelt and Beni Guil. Both Ayt Ayache and
Ayt Seghrouchen live by farming and by tending and rearing
sheep. The main handicraft industry is tapestry.
Berber literature is, of course, mainly oral. It is this
lack of written documents that makes the tracing of the history
of the.language somewhat difficult. However, attempts were
made very early to record the language, using various writing
systems. The oldest inscriptions come to us from Tunisia and
Algeria and are over 2,000 years old. They are written in a
consonantal system which resembles that of contemporary
Tuareg. The national Berber alphabet is that of the Tuareg
tribes, known as Tifinagh; it is composed of strokes, arcs,
and dots as well as combinations of these. In this system,
- x1ii -
individual words are not separated and one can write from
left to right or from right to left, from top to bottom
ot from bottom to top. The Tuaregs call the symbols
Tafineqq (singular) and Tifinagh (plural). The Tuaregs
have no manuscripts, strictly speaking, only short notes
on pots, bracelets, shields, etc. The only Berber texts we
have are written in Arabic script. These are mainly religious
texts used for instruction in Islam.
Following is a simplified table with samples of the
Libyan inscriptions and Tuareg (Tifinagh), both ancient
and contemporary inscriptions, with the corresponding Arabic
script and phonetic equivalents.
Phonetic Libyan Tuareg (Tifinagh) Corresponding
Equiv.ArbcS ip
ancient contemp. ArbcS ip
b 0 l t
t 4
z
k LIJx
''C
Table of Berber and Arabic Script
-xiv-
This book is intended to be used mainly as a reference
grammar for the dialect of Ayt Ayache, but, more importantly,
it can serve as a source for the comparative study of the two
dialects: Ayt Ayache and Ayt Seghrouchen. The order of pre-
sentation of the morphology of the dialects is arbitrary and,
therefore, is not binding for the user.
At the beginning of each chapter appears a short summary
of the contents of that section. Comparative notes on the two
dialects sometimes appear at the end of a chapter (e.g.,
I. Phonology, II. The Numerical System, III. Pronominal Systems,
IV. The Noun, VI. The Verb). However, in Chapter V. "Particles",
a full discussion of each of the different groups of particles is
given for Ayt Seghrouchen following that of Ayt Ayache. This is
due to the great lexical difference between the two dialects in
this domain.
Chapter VII. "Sentences" lists examples consisting of 157
pairs of sentences to exemplify the different structures of the
two dialects. The first member of each pair of sentences is from
Ayt Ayache, the second from Ayt Seghrouchen.
In studying the grammatical point in issue, often the user
will find numerous examples listed. This serves a dual purpose:
the exemplification of the grammatical point under discussion
and the provision of additional lexical items.
- xv -
It is hoped that this book may serve as a reference grammar
for its twin, A Course in Spoken Tamazight (Center for Near East-
ern and North African Studies, the University of Michigan, 1971),
f or indeed they complement one another. Usage of both texts is
indispensable for mastery of Tamazight.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
January 1971 E.T.A.
-xvi-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword . .. .. ... .. . . .***... * ............................... v
Acknowledgements ... . .. .. .. . .. ............... . . . vi
I. Phonology
1.1 Consonants and Vowels of Tamazight, Ayt Ayache 2
I.1,.1 Explanation of Phonological Termns.4.................. 2
1.1.2 Pronunciation of Consonants and Semi-Vowels... 5
L.2 V o w e ls............................... 11
1. 3 Structure of the S y llab le ....................".... 15
1.4 Stress................... ............... ....... 17
Notes on the Phonology in Ayt Seghrouchen (A. S. )........... 19
11.1 Cardinal Numbers . . ..... . . .. .. ... . ... .. . .. . ... . ... . ... 22
11.2 Ordinal Numbers .. .. . ..@0****....... .............. 29
Notes on the Numerical System in Ayt Seghrouchen (A. S.) .... 33
III. Pronominal Systems
111.1 Personal Pronouns . .. .. .. .. .. . .... . ... .. . ... .. . .. 35
11.1.1 Independent Forms ...........000000 . ........ 35
11.1.2 Emphatic Personal Pronouns ...................... 35
111.2 Possessive Pronouns ........................ ..... 36
111.2.1 Independent Set .... ...........0.......... 36
111.2.2 Possessive Pronomainal Suffixes..... 37
111.2.2.1 Suffixed to Nouns Ending in Consonant.... 37
111.2.2.2 Suffixed to Nouns Ending in Vowel..... 39
III..22Usd 3ihUishdiT hrm inship..... erms... 40
111.3 Pronominal Affixes for Verbs and Prepositions 44
111.3.1 Affirmative.... . ........................ 46
111.3.1.1 With Intransitive Verbs :Indirect Objects........ 46
111.3.1.2 With Transitive Verbs:Direct Objects............ 49
111.3.2 Negative . .. . .. . .. ....... .. ............. ..... 52
111.3.2.1 With Intransitive Verbs :Indirect Objects....... 52
111.3.2.2 With Transitive Verbs :Direct Objects............ 55
- xvii -
111.3.3 Interrogative . . ..... . .. .. . . . .***.**..... ..
111.3.3.1 With Intransitive Verbs :Indirect Objects........
111.3.3.2 With Transitive Verbs :Direct Objects............
111.3.4 Negative Interrogative......................
111.3.4.1 With Intransitive Verbs :Indirect Objects........
111.3.4.2 With Transitive Verbs :Direct Objects............
111. 4 Demonstrative Pronouns (Independent Set)....*...
111.4.2 Plural ......... ........ .. . ...........00.
111.4.3 Demonstrative Pronominal Suffixes.......... ....
111.4.3.2 /-d: /..... 0000..0 .0.00....................
111,4,3.3 /-n:a/....................... ...........
iii.4.4 The Demonstrative ha, han.................
III.4.4.l ha +Personal Pronouns..... .....................
111,4.4,2 hat................................ ...
111.5 Relative Pronouns . .. . .... .. . .. ... .. . ... .. .. .,. ..
111,5.1 Subject..................................
111.5.2 Object................................
111.6 Indefinite Pronounse . :.................
iii.6.i Proximate Indefinite Pronouns..,.. .............
111.692 Remote Indefinite Pronouns ......................
Notes on the Pronominal System in Ayt Seghrouchen (A .S .),. .
IV. Grammar of the Noun
JV. 1 Introduction........... ............. .. .. .. . ..
IV. 2 Basic and Derived Noun Stems and Nouns . ........ .
IV.2.l Basic Noun Stems and Nouns .................
IV. 2.2 Derived Noun Stems and Nouns .....................
IV.3 Definiteness, Gender and Number................
IV.3.l Definite/Indefinite.....................
IV .3.2 Gender and Number . . .. . ....... . ... .. .. .. . .. .
IV.3.2.l Noun Affixes. .... . ..........000.0.00.0.0....
IV.3.2.l-a Masculine Singular Prefixes...................
IV.3.2.1-b Masculine Plural Prefixes ..................
IX.3.2.1-cFeminine Singular Affixes.........."..."
IV.3.2.l-d Feminine Plural Affixes ...000.0....000....
iv.4 Plural Nouns . . .............. .. .. . .... . .. . ..
IV .4.1 Masculine Plurals ......... *******00**. *. .. . ...
IV. 4 .l .l External Plurals(Sound Plurals)................. .
Iv.4.l.2 Internal Plurals (Broken Plurals)............. "
111.4.l.3 Mixed Plurals .................. ,................ .
IV.5 Feminine -Plurals . *.......... .........
IV. 5.2 Internal Plurals (Broken PluralJs) ................ .
IV.5.3 Mvixed Plurals..........................
58
58
61
63
63
66
69
69
69
69
69
70
70
71
71
72
72
72
74
74
74
715
76
77
88
92
92
92
93
93
93
94
95
96
97
97
97
104
107
109
109
111
112
xviii-
Iv. 6
Iv. 6.1
Iv.6.3
rv.6.4
Iv. 6.5
iv. 6.6
Iv. 6.6.
rv.6.6.2
Iv. 6.7
Iv.6.8
IV. 7
Iv. 7.1
IV. 7.2
IV. 7.3
Notes on
Miscellaneous.,............. ................
Plurals with /id-i (m,f) and /ist:/ (f)},.. .... ....
Plurals with /ayt-/ (m) ............ .............. .
Plurals of Different Roots.........................
Dirninutives........,......,... ........ ........
Augmentative ................................
Collective Nouns............. . . . . ............
Singular Collective Nouns .......................
Plural Collective Nouns .......................
Composed Nouns .. .. . .. ........ .. .. . ..........
Construct State of the Noun ....................
Changes occuring in Masculine Nouns.............
Changes occuring in Feminine Nouns.................
Conditions for Construct State. ..00.............. .
the Noun in Ayt Seghrouchen (A. S,) . ............... .
V. Particles
V.1 Interrogative Particles (Ayt Ayache)..................
V.2 Interrogative Particles (Ayt Seghrouchen).............
V. 3 Conjunctions . .. .. .. .. .. . ...... .. . .......... . .
V.3.2 Ayt Seghrouchen. ....... .. . ... . . . .............
V.4 Prepositions ...............................
V.4.2 Ayt Seghrouchen. . . . ....... .. . ...... .. .. . . . . . .
V.5 Presentational Particles. .......................
V.6 Vocative Particles.. ... .. .. . .. .. .. ........ .. . .. ..
V.7 Conditional Particles .............................
VI. Grammar of the Verb
VI.l Basic and Derived Verb Stems.................... .
V1.1.1 Basic Verb Stems ............... . .. .. .. .. .. ....
VI.1.2 Derived Verb Stemns .................. .. . .. . ...
VI.2 Verb Affixes.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. ..........
VI.2.l Movable Affixes ....... ....... ....... . . . . . .
VI.2.2 Fixed Affixes. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . .........
VI.3 Classification of Verb Stems .......................
VI.3.l The Different Ablauts .........................
VI.3.l.3PeredicAbAblauts/ .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . .
VI.3.l.5 Predictable AChanges in.the.Sub-class/d.u/../ir...
VI.3.2 Classes and Sub-classes of the Verb Stem Types.....
VI.3.2.l Ablauted and Unablauted Types ......................
VI.3.2.2 Classes of the Ablauted Type .. ................
VI.3.2.3 Classes of the Unablauted Tp ..........
114
114
115
115
115
116
116
116
117
117
118
119
119
120
121
126
132
137
141
141
143
145
147
149
150
150
153
153
153
153
154
155
160
161
161
163
165
165
165
166
167
167
-- xix -
VI.3.2.4 Sub-classification of Verb Stems0........... ....... 169
VI.3.3 Illustrative Examples of Verb Conjugations...170
vi.4 Derivational Processes...................... 174
VI.24.1 Introduction..... . ......... ... .. .. .. .. . ...... 174
VI.4.2 Derivation of the Habitual VHI of Unaugmnented Stem 176
V1,4.3 Causative Stem Derivation 179
vi.4.4 Recpro calVrbStm erbvateon. erivation......179
VI.4.5 Passive Berb Stem Derivation................181
vI.)4.6 Derived Noun Ste msandd Nns ........... . 82
VI.4.6.2 ntoutmiatio................................ 182
vi.4.y Temporal and Modal Derivation...................... 186
vI.4.7.1 Introduction .................................... 186
vI.4.7.2 Derivation of Imperative Structures................ 187
VI.x4.7.3 Derivation of Past Tense and Its Different Modes ... 192
vi.4.7.4 Derivation of Future Tense and Its Different Modes. 195
VI.4.7.5 Derivation of Present Tense and Its Different Modes 197
VI.4.7.6 Derivation of the forist ........................... 199
VI.4.7.7 Derivation of the Participles...................... 200
vI.4.7.8 Summary of Rules for Temporal, Modal and Participle
Derivations. ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
VI.5 Morphophonemic Sketch . .e......e.g...... ........... 207
VI.5.1 Introduction. . ggggogggg~ggggg eggege ooge 0gee0..0.....207
VI.5.2 General Rules of Verb Morphophonemic s...e.......... 207
VI.5.3 Examples ......... c......~..... ............. 210
Notes on the Verb in Ayt Seghrouchen (A. S.).................. 216
Introduction to Verb Sample Appendix A (Ayt Ayache) ......... 240
Verb Sample Appendix A. (Ayt Ayache) .. ................. 245
List of Verbs (Ayt Ayache)................................. 262
Verb Sample Appendix B (Ayt Seghrouchen) .................... 283
VII. Sentences
A.l Verbless:Affirmative.................................. 287
A.2 Verbless :Interrogative............................... 289
A. Verbless: Negative ..e......................29
A. Verbless: Negative-Interrogative...................... 292
B.1 Verbal:Affirmnative .............. ee....... ....293
B.1.l Sentences having one Verb............................ 293
B.1.2 Sentences having twoVerbs............................300
B.2 Verbal:Interrogative .......... ......... ............... 308
B.4 Verbal :Negative-Interrogative ................. ....... 314
C. Imperative Structures.......... ....................... 315
TABLES, FIGURES AND ILLUSTRATIONS
Map of Morocco............................................ ii
Geographic Distribution of the Major Berber Dialects...... xi
Geographic Distribution of Berber Dialects in Morocco..... xii
Table of Berber and Arabic Script......................... .xiv
Tables and Figures of Chapter I: Phonology
Table 1.- Tamazight Consonants and Semi-Vowels............ 4
Table 2.- Tamazight Vowels................................ 4
Figure 1.- Diagram of the Organs of Speech................ 3
Figure 2.- Tongue position for /t/........................ 9
Figure 3.- Tongue position for /t/........................ 9
Figure 4.- Tongue position for /s/....................... .10
Figure 5.- Tongue position for /;/........................ 10
Table 3.- Tamazight Vowel Allophones...................... 12
Tables and Figures of Chapter VI: The Verb, in Ayt Ayache
Table 1.- Second Person Imperative Suffixes (A.A.)........ 158
Table 2.- Hortatory Suffixes (A.A.)....................... 158
Table 3.- Ayt Ayache /-PNG-/ Affixes..................... 159
Table 4.- Person-Number-Gender Paradigms for Unablauted
Stems (A.A.)...P................................. 171
Table 5.- Person-Number-Gender Paradigms for [0:0] Ablauted
Stems (A.A.) .................................... 172
Table 6.- Person-Number-Gender Paradigms for [#:i/a)
Ablauted Stems (A.A.)................. .......... 173
Tables 7-13.- Imperative Structures (A.A.)................ 190-192
Tables 14-17.- Past Tense Structures (A.A.).............. 193-194
Tables 18-21.- Future Tense Structures (A.A.)............. 196-197
Tables 22-25.- Present Tense Structures (A.A.)............ 198-199
Table 26.- Aorist Structures (A.A.)....................... 200
Tables 27-29.- Participles (A.A.)..........................201-202
Tables of Comparative Notes to Chapter VI (Ayt Seghrouchen)
Table 1.- Second Person Imperative Suffixes (A.S.)........ 217
Table 2.- Hortatory Suffixes (A.S.)....................... 217
Table 3.- -PNG- Affixes (A.S.)........................... 217
Tables 4T1l.- Conjugations of Unablauted Stems (A.S.)..... 220-223
Tables 12-23.- Conjugations of 0:0 Ablauted Stems A.S.).. 224-229
Tables 24-27.- Conjugations of i/a Ablauted Stems A.S.).. 230-231
Tables 28-31.- Conjugations of i/u Ablauted Stems A.S.).. 232-233
Tables 32-35.- Conjugations of a-u Ablauted Stems A.S.).. 234-235
Tables 36-39.- Conjugations of a-i Ablauted Stems A.S.).. 236-237
- xxi -
I. Phonology
This section discusses the phonology of Ayt Ayache (A.A.)
Tamazight citing examples to illustrate the different phonol-
ogical features of this dialect. At the very end of this
section a few notes on the phonology of Ayt Seghrouchen (A.S.)
are included. The two dialects are very much alike in their
phonological systems except for the fact that /k/ and /g/
are fricatives in Ayt Ayache whereas they are stops in Ayt
Seghrouchen
Reference Grammar
T'amrazilght
Phonology
I. Phonology
I.1 Tamazight, Ayt Ayache dialect, has the following consonants:
/btd kgq NE xy mnlr hch/ (See Table 1)
and the following vowels:
/i u a/ (See Table 2)
1.1.1 The terms used in Table 1 are here explained in terms of
the articulators that help produce the different sounds.
These are followed by explanations of the terms voiced
and voiceless, lax and tense, labialized and finally flat.
It is also suggested that the student refer to Figure 1.
for a better understanding of these terms.
Bilabial: lower lip and upper lip
Labio-dental: lower lip and upper teeth
Dental: apex of tongue and upper teeth
Alveolar: apex of tongue and alveolar ridge
Alveo-palatal: apex of tongue and front part of palate
Palatal: tongue blade and palate
Post palatal: tongue blade and back of palate
Velar: tongue dorsum and velum
Uvular: tongue dorsum and uvula
Pharyngeal: root of the tongue and pharynx (constriction)
Glottal: produced in the larynx by constriction of the two
vocal chords
Voiced (vd): during the production of voiced sounds the
vocal chords are closed
Voiceless (vl): during the production of voiceless sounds
the vocal chords are open
Iax: a speech sound produced with little muscular tension
in the speech organs; e.g. /b/
Tense: a speech sound produced with great muscular tension
in the speech organ; e.g. /b:/
2
Reference Grammar
Tama zight
Phonology
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight Phonology
Upper Lip \J
Apex
Lower Lip
Figure 1
Diagram of the Organs of Speech
rynx
3
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Phonology
Reference Grammar Tama z ight Phonology
i i i 1 - K
10
rH
CD
Ho
Io-
,n A
H-
4-3
H
Q'.
H
cdI
H
H
tai
as
4-)c
Cc
)
r--4
S
a
4-3
0
1-i. t i kw -4 -
Stop b __d _LEP
Fric---------------- --- --------- ---- --- ---
vd.
_ _ _ _ _ _ z _ _ _ Y
Nasal m n
Lateral 1
Flap _ n.Ir
Semi-Vowel _ _y_ _ _wI
Table I: Tamazight Consonants and Semi-Vowels
Front
Central
Back
igh __ __ _au
Table 2:
Tarazig;ht Vowels
''t
Reference Grammar
Tamaz ight
Phonology
Labialized: a speech sound produced with added lip
rounding; e.g., /q/ = [q] or [qw].
Flat: a speech sound produced by pressing the blade of
the tongue against the palate so that the articula-
tion is velarized rather than dental; e.g. /t/
1.1.2 Remarks on the pronunciation of the consonants and semi-
vowels of Ayt Ayache Tamazight:
a) /b t d f s s 1 z z mn h wy /
Group (a) are to varying degrees the same as in English
However the following slight differences are here noted
for this Berber dialect:
1. /b/ which is a voiced bilabial stop can sometimes
be heard as voiced bilabial fricative ["P] by very
few speakers; e.g., /lbab/ [13m3] 'the door'
2. /t/ has more puff with the air release than is
the case in English; e.g.: /tafunast/ [thmfunst.]'cow'
3. On the other hand, we would like to note that /s/
is pronounced as in English "she", e.g., /sa/ 'some'.
/E/ is pronounced as in English "measure"; e.g.
/zhd/ 'to be strong'. /h/ is pronounced as in English
"he", e.g. /dhn/ 'to rub ointment'. Finally /1/ in
Tamazight is pronounced as English "clear" [1]; i.e.,
when preceding a vowel in English as in "lazy" or
"late", but not like dark [1] in English, i.e. when
following a vowel as in "feel". Tamazight /1/ is
like the first [1] in English "level" but not the
second one; e.g. Tamazight /lalal/ 'no' where all the
three l's are pronounced like the first [1] in English
"level".
5
Reference Grammar
Tama zigh t
Phonology
b) /k g q xy h ev r/ 1 (for Comparative Notes on this
chapter see pp. 19-70)
Group (b) do not exist in English.
1. Of group (b) /k/ and /g/ are fricatives in
Ayt Ayache (though they are stops in other dia-
lects of Berber as well as in English; e.g.;
/irkm/ 'it (m.) boiled', /iga/ 'he did'.
2. /q xy h s / are all back consonants known as
"gutterals". Their place of articulation is
uvular ( /q xy/) and pharyngeal (/h. /).
3. /q/ is a voiceless uvular stop that is produced
by the tongue dorsum (back) forming a stop against
the uvula. Notice that the place of articulation
for Berber /q/ is further back than that of
English /k/: e.g., /taqdurt/ 'a pot'.
4. /x/ is a voiceless velar fricative. Its place
of articulation is uvular. To pronounce /x/
produce English /k/ then move the dorsum (back
of the tongue) back and produce a fricative;
this produces /x/. This will sound like the
"ch" in German doch, lachen and nach; e.g.,
/xali/ 'my maternal uncle'.
5. /y/ is a voiced velar fricative. It has the
same place and manner of articulation as /x/.
Try to produce English /g/ then move the dorsum
of your tongue back and produce the fricative /y/.
Let us call /y/ the "gargling" sound; e.g.,
/iyus/ 'he burnt'.
6. /h/ is a voiceless pharyngeal fricative. As we
know pharyngeal sounds are produced by a constric-
6
Reference Gramma r
Tamaz ight
Phonology
tion of the root of the tongue against the
pharynx. This is not an easy sound for non-
natives. It is advisable to practice pronoun-
cing /h/ by producing a vigorous constriction
of the pharynx slightly below and behind the
extreme edge of the velum. This can be achieved
by drawing the body of the tongue back toward
the posterior wall of the pharynx with consider-
able force. Try this and it should produce /h/.
Let us call this sound the "panting" sound; e.g.,
/hml/ 'to flood'.
7. /c'/ is a voiced pharyngeal fricative. If you
try to pronounce the English vowel "a" as in
"father" with your tongue pressed down, you will
hear /c'/ which we will call the "bleating" sound;
e.g., /leil/ 'the boy'.
8. /r/ is a flap, i.e., a sound that is produced
by the very rapid viberation of the tip of the
tongue (apex); e.g., /ira/ 'he wanted'.
Flatness, Labialization and Tenseness
a) The domain of flatness, i.e., that of emphatic conso-
nants (also velarized and pharyngealized are terms used
in this connection) is the syllable. We call /t d s z
1 r / a primary Tamazight "emphatic" set, the occurence
of which affects other non-emphatic segments**to become
Emphatic articulation refers to the pressing of the blade of the
tongue against the palate in formation of some consonant sounds;
the articulation is then velarized rather than dental or pharyngeal-
ized rather than velar.
The term segment refers to a minimal portion of speech consisting
of a spoken language item known as a consonant or a vowel.
7
Reference Grammar
Tamaz ight
Phonology
emphatic. This latter set is here termed secondary
emphatic set. Notice that in pronouncing the plain
non-emphatic consonant the position of the tip of the
tongue is dental for, let us say /t/ and the back of
the tongue is depressed whereas in pronouncing its em-
phatic counterpart /t/, the tip of the tongue is touch-
ing the alveolar ridge and the back of the tongue is
raised up toward the velum. Also, note that in the
case of the pronunciation of an emphatic consonant the
lip muscles are contracted and the lips are extended
ventrally whereas they are relaxed when pronouncing the
plain consonants. (See figures 2 and 3 for /t/,/t/
and figures 4 and 5 for /s/, /s/).
Examples of emphatic/non-emphatic consonants:
/tizi/ a pass
/tizi/ pubic hair
/bdu/ to begin
/bdu/ to share
/tzur/ she is fat
/tzur/ she visited holy places
b) Labialization is a feature of the back consonants
/k g q xy /. It is manifested as simultaneous lip
rounding when producing any of the above mentioned
consonants. Thus /q/ or /q/ is pronounced as [q .2
Labialization is an important feature for /k g q/ but
not for /x y/: e.g.,
/s :k :r/ suga r
/nk : r/ we got up
8
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Phonology
Reeec GamrTaa gt hnlg
Figure 2: tongue position for /t/
Figure 3: tongue position for /t/
9
Reference Grammar
Tamra zigh t
Phonology
RefeenceGramar Tma zightPhonlog
tongue position for /s/
Figure 4:
Figure 5:
tongue position for /s/
10
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Phonology
/ag:a/ he is
/ag:a/ a burden
/n:q:rt/ he shook it (m.) off
/n:q:rt/ silver
/lyE:/~. /ly:/ cheating
/axm:as/ /axm:as/ share-cropper
c) A tense (also fortis) consonant in general is produced
3
with more force than its lax (also lenis) counterpart.
The intensity and aspiration which are characteristic of
the tense consonants give them a syllabic quality
(i.e. maximum degree of sonority in the syllable) so
that /b:/ is heard as [*bb]or [bb); this is trans-
cribed in most other systems that treated Berber phono-
logy /ebb/ or /ebb/ or/ebb/. In our system of trans-
cription this will be realized as /b:/ and pronounced
as [9bb] except when proceeded by a vowel, e.g.
/d:u/ [9ddu] to go
/id:a/ [idd] he went
1.2. Vowels
Tarazight has three vowels: /i u a/ (See Table 2).
Allophones of the three vowels are shown in Table 3. The
marking convention shown in Table 3 is to be understood as
follows:
' Tense or fortis here refers to a consonant pronounced with strong-
er articulation and greater tension on the muscles of the arti-
culator, and usually, aspiration. Lax or lenis here refers to a
consonant pronounced with lesser muscular tension in the sneech organ
and weaker, laxer articulation and, usually, no aspiration.
a raised up vowel -[ ], [ , [ ] denotes that is a purely nhonetic
non-constrastive element.
11
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Phonology
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight Phonology
[+] denotes the presence of a particular feature ( e.g.
[+ front] or [+high]) for a certain segment.
i i i, e u u, o e a
Front + + + +
Centralized + +
Back + + + +
High + + +
Lowered + + + +
Low + + +
Table 3: Tamazight Vowel Allophones
i as in English "beat", "eat ", "feet "
does not commonly occur in English
as in English "bit", "fit"
e similar to the initial vowel part of the
English words "eight", "ace"
u as in English "food", "boot", "sue"
U as in English "book", "wood"
o roughly as in English "coat"
ae as in English "sat ", "hat", "mat"
de does not commonly occur in English but cor-
responds roughly to vowel in "cut"
a corresponds roughly to the English vowel in
"father"
Henceforth the following notations will be used:
C= /b f t d s z s z k gq/
H = /h h w y /
LT= / l r m n /
X = C, H and L
12
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Phonology
Reference Grammar Tamazight Phonology
yx = /y x/
X = C, H, L, y and x
V = / a i u /
Diacritics /./ and /:/ may be added and thus give, for example,
/C/ and /C:/ representing /t/ and /t:/ respectively.
In the formulation of phonological rules the following
conventions are used:
A-----> BA is rewritten as (or replaced by
(A)B or B(A) A is optionally present, B is obl
r) B
_1-
{A }
{B}
A--- B/ C
A-- B/C
Vowel Allophones (# denotes
mean final
1. /i/ ------->[i]1
gatorily present
Either A or B occurs in this position
A is rewritten
A is rewritten as B after C
word boundary, e.g. /-a# and #a-/
and initial /a/ respectively)
# X
ini
sdid
to say
to be thin
2. /i/-------> [sk]
id:a
td:id
3. /i/-------+ 1
[e]
smid
zwiy
bxin
# X:
he went
you (s.) went
to be cold
to be red
to be black
13
- ------
Reference Grammar Tamazi
4. /i/ ---------> [Iy] X_#
ight
Phonology
v v
is :frhi
is:fhmi
he made me happy
he made me understand
5. /u/---------- [u] #__X
umsy I painted
ufiy I found
idrus It (m) is little
ifs:us It (m) is light
6. /u/--------->[a]
idur he turned
at:bdud you (s) will share
adimyur he will grow up
lxudrt vegetables
7. /u/ --------->[uw] X C i#
bdu to begin
f :u to dawn
8. /a/ ---------> [-e
azn
sal
n:ay
(:) X
to send
to ask
to fight
14
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Phono logy
9. /a/---------> [ ] XCG) #
da here
la no
hn:a to be peaceful
10. /a/---------> [a] C
hadr to be present
talb to demand
1.3 Structure of the Syllable
If /X/ is followed by /X/ without an intervening /V/ there
is a predictable transition. Transition between /X/ and /X/ is
heard as Vocalic and is represented here by a superscript schwa
[a] to show that it is a phonetic element (schwa occurs as the
first speech sound formation in English "about" or as the last
speech sound formation in English "sofa"). Thus a word such as
/frhy / "I was happy" is phonetically [#farhy #] consisting of
two syllables. [a] is realized as [I ] before front consonants
(e.g. /b, t, d.../) and as [a] before back consonants (e.g.
/k, x.../). It is also heard as voiced before voiced consonants
(e.g. /b, g.../) and as voiceless before voiceless consonants
(e.g. /f, t .../).
The rules governing the predictability of [9] may be stated
as follows:
1. / #X(:)#/------> [#*X(:)#] /g/ [*g] 'to be, to do'
/s/ [*5] 'to give'
/g:/ [5g:] 'to knead'
/k:/ [5k:] 'to pass'
15
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Phonology
Reference Grarnrriar Tamazight Phonology
2. /#X X()#/------------
S[#X~X2(:)# / Xlis not L
[#GXiLX2#]
Xi is L
[#X1 x2 #]
3./ #X I:X 2#/-->#X:X2#1
/t s/
lb d
lb5d:]
'to laugh'
'to spend a clay'
'to stand up'
/ns! [ens] 'to spend
[n~s]
/ls/ [als]
[la%]
/f:r/ [5f:5r]
/f:y/ [5f:5yl
/l:m/ [01:5m]
the night'
'to get dressed'
'to hide'
'to go out'
' to spin'
4 9 / # x 1 x 2 x 3 # / - - - - -
( [#142x3#1, 1X2areC not jHj
lh[#:.1X2 aX3#1]5
f[X15X25X3] VXJ3
[#X15X29X3#] 23 =
5. / #XlX:2X3# / --> [#XiGX:X3#]
/xdm/
/zc f/
[xd 9m]
[db %]
[xdac]
[z' f]
'to
'to
'to
'to
work'
dye'
deceive'
get mad'
/hdm/ [5hd~m]
[h~d~m 1
/hbl/ [Lhbal]
[h~b51]
/nfh/ [%nf5h]
Ana fa%]
Ad! [acdal]
[ I. ad %9I
'to demolish'
'to become
silly'
'to sniff
tobacco'
'to repair'
'to guarantee'
'to understand'
'to be happy'
/drnn/
/f hm/
/f rh/
/fs : r/
/sn : d/
[daman l
[faham]
SSaah
[fas:5r] 'to spread'
[sen:5d3 'to lean against'
16
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Phonology
/xmrn:m/ [xam:0m] 'to think'
/wk:l/ [w0k:al] 'to appoint
as representa-
tive'
The postulation of the phonetic syllable shown above supports
the transcription of the data of this grammar where three (or more)
non-vocalic segments appear next to each other: e.g., /tbrmnt/
"you (f.p.) turned" which is here represented phonetically as
[t~b0r:0mrnt].
Words with the structure XVX, VXX, or XV consist of one
syllable: e.g., /sal/ "to ask", /lsib/ "to become white-haired",
/cum/ "to swim", /af/ "to find", /amz/ "to take", /fa/ "to yawn".
Words consisting of vowels and consonants follow the same rules
shown above: e.g., /dat:hadar/ "she is present" is phonetically
[dat: hadar] i.e. consists of three syllables; ,/ad:r/ "to meet"
has two syllables [clad:0r]. Note that /t:/ and /d:/ are not re-
presented as [ t:]and [0d:] as was stated before since they are
preceded by a vowel.
1.4. Stress
Word stress in Tamazight is a non-contrastive feature.
The occurence of word stress is predictable: primary stress falls
on the last vowel of the word (i.e. /V/ or [a] ).
Examples:
/s~l/ 'to ask'
/c awn/ 'to help'
/§k:A/ 'to doubt'
/slIl/ 'to rinse'
/c um/ 'to swim'
/rmnz/ 'to take'
/Ef/ 'to find'
/rdr/'to return'
/bd6/'to begin'
17
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Phonology
Refeenc Grmma Tamz iht honlog
/adiniy/
/ndawd/
/tfafdd/
/isdl/
/dayt :hadar/
' I will say'
'we cured'
'you (s.) woke up'
'he asked'
'he is present'
The above statement applies to words that phonemically
do not contain a vowel /V/. As stated above, /bd:/ is phoneti-
cally [bad:], /frh/ is phonetically [freh] and /fs:r/ is phonetical-
ly [fs:ar]. In these cases, word primary stress is on the [e]
of the last syllable.
Examples:
/bd:/
/ls/
/f :r/
/frh/
/ndr/
[bd:]
[las]h
[1 s]
[O f:9 r]
[frah]
[n* de r]
[ nd# r]
'to stand up'
'to dress'
'to hide'
'to be happy'
'to moan'
/fs :r/
/tfs :rnt/
[f9 s:e r]
[ta f* s :a ut ]
'to explain'
'you (f.p.) explained'
* * *
Reference Grammar
Tamazight Phonology
Reference Grammar Tamazight Phonology
Notes on the Phonology of Ayt Seghrouchen (A s 4) Dialect of
Tamazight
1 /k/ and /g/ are stops in Ayt Seghrouchen. They are prononounced
the same as English /k/ and /g/.
Examples:
kl:f
lgir:u
to entrust
cigarettes
2 Lax /q/, /k/ and /g/ do not occur in A.S.
3 /k:/ and /g:/ are tense counterparts of the stops /k/ and
/g/ in A.S.
Examples:
ik:r
ang:aru
he stood up
the last
* - -
19
Reference Grammar
Tamazight Phonola T
Reference Grammar Tamazight Phonology
Additional Notes on the Phonology of Ayt Seghrouchen
The following phonological features are characteristic of
Ayt Seghrouchen.
(a) For some sneakers the sequence /-lt-/ is pronounced as
a side fricative, i.e. pronouncing /-it-/ producing
friction with air escaping at both sides of the tongue.
This, however, occurs in few words.
Examples:
ultma
xalti
altu
sister
my maternal aunt
not yet
(b) Following a tense /k:/ or /g:/, the vowel /u/ has a
centralized allophone [u).
Examples:
1:ayg:ur
sk:ura
he goes
Sekoura (name of a village)
20
II. The Numerical System
This section discusses the Cardinal and the Ordinal
Numerals in Ayt Ayache with enough examples to illustrate
the structure of constructs with numerals. It also discusses
Fractions. The very few differences that occur in Ayt
Seghrouchen concerning the Numerical System are noted at
the end of this section.
Reference Grammar
Tamazisht
AT1nm,2 nn l, os,-14-
AS- U.111 4. .L . ..d.L Y L [i
II. The Numerical System
I1.1 Cardinal Numerals
1 (for Comparative Notes on
A. 1 - 3 (The Berber Numerals; this chapter see p. 33)
yun one (m)
yut one (f)
sin
sn at
Erad
Brat:
two (m)
two (f)
three (m)
three (f)
1 - 3
wanid
tnayn
tlata
Remarks:
(The Arabic Numerals)
one
two
three
(1) The Arabic numerals 1 - 3 are used only for
counting in order without naming things (they are
INVARIABLE) and in combination with the tens, e.g.
21, 33, 72, etc. The Berber numerals are used
elsewhere.
(2) The Berber numerals (1 - 3) answer such questions as:
22
RPf'PrPnprnmmr
Tama z iRht
Nt1mcr1 P-a_1 Sv.tPm
It 01 J. rn1 r Taraaz imht
.j J_ LAU L IL , cL i
ha1 l : wa sn ay f(urs ? How many children do you have?
-yUl : il (tsac'ftid/)
/i-yrf -as-t -d/ (V>iyrf ast id/)
/ad-as-t-d-i-yf / (/>adastidiyrf/)
She was patient with him (+Prox.).
He threw it (m ) at him (+Prox.).
He will throw it (m) at him(+Prox)
45
Reference Grammar
Tamaz ight
Pronominal Systems
Notice: The anaptyctic vowel /-i-/ occurs with /t-d/---+/tid/
in the environment of D. Obj. + Proximity Affix for persons other
than first.
Compare the above with:
/t-sae f-ay-d/-...-y/tsae fayd/ She was patient with us (+Prox.).
III.3.1
III.3.1.1
Past:
Affirmative
With Intransitive Verbs : Indirect Objects 6
/siwl/ (intr.) to speak (/siwl i/'speak to')
/isiwl/ he spoke
isiwlj i He spoke to me.
isiwl as He spoke to you (m.s.).
isiwl am He spoke to you (f.s.).
isiwl as He spoke to him/her.
isiwl ay He spoke to us.
isiwl awn He spoke to you (rn.p.).
isiw1 agnt He spoke to you (f.p.).
isiwl asn He spoke to them (m).
isiwl asnt He spoke to them (f).
Future: /adisiwl/
ad i ysiwl
ad a i siwl
ad am isiwl
ad as isiwi
he
He
He
He
He
will
will
will
will
will
speak
speak to me.
speak to you (m.s.).
speak to you (f.s.).
speak to him/her.
46
Reference Grammar
Tama z igh t
Pronominal Systems
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight Pronominal Systems
ad
ad
ad
ad
ad
ay isiwl
awn isiwl
aknt isiwl
asn isiw1
asnt isiwl
He will speak to us.
He will speak to you (m.p.).
He will speak to you (f.p.).
He will speak to them (m).
He will speak to them (f).
Present:
/daysawal /
day isawal
das isawal
dam isawal
das isawal
day isawal
dawn isawal
daknt isawal
dasn isawal
dasnt isawal
he
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
speaks
speaks
speaks
speaks
speaks
speaks
speaks
speaks
speaks
speaks
to me.
to you (m.s.).
to you (f.s.).
to him/her.
to us.
to you (m.p.).
to you (f.p.).
to them (m).
to them (f).
Notice:
/.-a + i - /- /- ay- /
/-a +
/daa-/4>/daE/
/sl:m/ 'to greet'
/sl:m/ always occurs with a preposition: e.g.,
sl:m xf unbyi 'greet the guest'.
The preposition /xf/ toni occurs before nouns;
it has the allomorph /yif-/ before pronouns.
47
Reference Grammar
Tama z i gh t
Pronominal systems
Reference Grammar Tama z ight Pronominal Systems
Past:
Notice:
/isl:m/ he greeted
isl;m Yif i He greeted me.
isl:m yif He greeted you (m.s.).
isl:m yif m He greeted you (f.s.).
isl;m yif S He greeted him.
isl:m yif s He greeted her.
islm y'if ny He greeted us.
isl:m yif un He greeted you (m.p.).
islm 4±'if knt He greeted you (f.p.).
is:1;m yif sn He greeted them (m).
isl:m yif snt He greeted them (f).
/-as, -am, -as .../ have the allomorphs / -E,
-m, -s ../ after prepositions.
Future:
/adisl:m/
ad yif i
ad yif
ad yif m
ad yif s
ad yif s
ad yif ny
ad yif un
ad if knt
ad yif sn
ad yif snt
yelsim
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:im
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
he will
He will
He will
He will
He will
He will
He will
He will
He will
He will
He will
greet.
greet me.
greet you (m.s.).
greet you (f.s.).
greet him.
greet her.
greet us.
greet you (m.p.).
greet you (f.p.).
greet them (m).
greet them (f).
48
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Pronominal Systems
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight Pronorninal Systems
Present:
/dayt:sl;am/
da Yif i t:s1:am
da yif s t:sl:am
da yif m t:sl:am
da yif S t:sl:am
dia yif s t:s1:am
da yif ny t:sl:am
da yif un t:sl:am
da yif Iit t:sl;am
da yif sn t:sl:am
da yif snt t:sl:aam
he
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
greets
greets
greets
greets
greets
greets
greets
greets
greets
greets
greets
me.
you (m.s.).
you (f.s.).
him.
her.
us.
you (m.p.).
you (f.p.).
them (m).
them (f).
III.3.1.2
Past:
With Transitive Verbs: Direct Objects
/sal/ (trans.) to ask
isal he asked
isal i He asked me.
isal s He asked you (m.s.).
isal Em He asked you (f.s.).
isal t He asked him.
isal t: He asked her.
isal ay He asked us.
isal kn He asked you (m.p.).
isal knt He asked you (f.p.).
isal tn He asked them (m).
isal tnt He asked them (f).
49
Reference Grammar
Tamazit.
prntl nmi n , Qtrev 4- tm r.
Reference r amar pansi rh --6 - -- -U4I ..J I.II I VI J LI ,I- VI-
Future : /aclisa]/
adi ysal
ak: i sal
ak:m isa!
at: isal
at: isa!.
adlay isa!
ak:n isa!
alc~n isa!
at:n i sa!
at: ni;, isal
he
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
Hie
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
me.
you (m.s.).
you (f.s.).
him.
her.
us.
you (rn.p.).
you (f.p.).
them (in).
them (f).
Notice:
/-a +s-
I-cl + t--
I-cl +k-
Present:
/dayt; sa!/
day it:sal
da s [it:,sa!
datm it3sal
dat: it: sa!
day: it:sa!
claym it: sal
he
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
asks
asks
asks
asks
asks
asks
asks
asks
me.
you (m.s.).
you (f.s.).
him.
her.
us.
you (m.p.).
50
Reference Grammar
Tarnaz fight
Pronominal Systems
Reference Grammar Tarnaz ight Pronominal Systems
daknt it; sal
datn it;sal
datnt it:sal
/ny/
/inya/
inya y i
inya s
inya im
inya t
inya t:
inya y ay
inya kn
inya knt
inya tni
inya tnt
/-a + i-/ ) /ay/
/adiny/
adi yny
ak: iny
ak:m iny
at: my
at: iny
aday my
ak:n my
He
He
He
to
he
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
he
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
asks
asks
asks
you (f.p.).
them (m).
them (f).
kill
killed
killed
killed
killed
killed
killed
killed
killed
killed
killed
killed
me.
you (m.s.).
you (f.s.).
him.
her.
us.
you (m.p.).
you (f.p.).
them (m).
them (f ).
Notice:
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
6
me.
you (m.s.).
you (f.s.).
him,
her.
us.
you (m.p.).
51
Reference Grammar
Tama.zi.ght
Pronominal Systems
Reference Grammar Tarna zight Pronominal Systems
Present:
III. 3.2
III. 3.2.1
Past:
ak:nt iny
at:n iny
at:nt my
/dayni:a/
day ing:a
daE inqa
dam inq:a
dat inq:a
dat : inq:a
day ing:a
dakn inq;a
daknt inq;a
datn inq:a
datnt inq:a
He
He
He
he
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
will kill you (f.p.).
will kill them (m).
will kill them (f ).
kills
kills
kills
kills
kills
kills
kills
kills
kills
kills
kills
me.
you (m.s.).
you (f.s.).
him.
her.
us.
you (m.p.).
you (f.p.).
them (m).
them (m).
Negative
With Intransitive Verbs: Indirect Objects
/siwl/ to speak
/urisiwl/ he did not spea
uri ysiwl He did not spea
uras isiwl He did not spea
uram isiwi He did not spea
uras isiwl He did not spea
3k
Lk to me.
ak to you (m.s.).
ak to you (f.s.).
ak to him/her.
52
Reference Grammar
Tama z ight
Pronominal Systems
Reerne rmmrTam i vrnoia ytm
uray
urawn
uraknt
urasn
urasnt
isiwl
isiw1l
i siwl
isiwl
isiw1
He
He
He
He
He
did not speak to us.
did not speak to you (m.p.).
did not speak to you (f.p.).
did not speak to them (m).
did not speak to them (f).
Future:
/ur in:i
ur in::i
ur inti
ur in:i
ur in:i
ur in:i
ur in:i
ur in:i
ur in:i
ur in:i
*
adi siwl/
adi ysiwl
adaE isiwl
adam isiwl
adas isiwl
aday isiwl
adawn isiwl
adakit isiwl
adasn isiwl
adasnt isiwl
he
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
he
He
He
He
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
does
does
does
does
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
speak
speak
speak
speak
speak
speak
speak
speak
speak
speak
speak
speak
speak
speak
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
me.
you (m.s.),
you (f.s.).
him/her.
us.
you (m.p.).
you (f.p.).
them (m).
them (f).
Present:
/urcaysawl/
urday isawal
urdal isawal
urdam isawal
to
to
to
me.
you (m.s.).
you (f.s.).
*/in:i/comes from verb /ini/ 'to say'; /urin:i/ the did not say'
+ /adisiwl/ the will speak'. This is the regular way of expressing
future construction in the negative. Thus we get /urn:iy ad:d:uy/
'I will not come'; /ur tn:i ateE/ tehe will not eat'; /ur n;in
adsiwl:/ 'they will not speak'; etc.
53
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Pronominal Systems
Reference Grammar Tamazight Pronominal Systems
urdas
urday
urdawn
urdakn t
urdasn
urdasnt
isawal
isawal
isawal
isawal
isawal
isawal
Past:
/sl:m/
/urisl: im/
ur' yiffi
ur yif ES
ur yif m
ur yif s
ur yif fly
ur yif un
ur yif knt
ur yif sn
ur yif snt
ysl:im
isl:im
isl:im
isl im
isl:im
isl:im
isl:im
isl:Jim
isl:im
He
He
He
He
He
He
to
he
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
he
He
He
He
He
does
does
does
does
does
does
not
not
not
not
not
not
speak
speak
speak
speak
speak
speak
greet
did not
did not
did not
did not
did not
did not
did not
did not
did not
did not
to
to
to
to
to
to
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
him/her.
us.
you (m.p.).
you (f.p.).
them (m).
them (f).
me.
you (m.s.).
you (f.s.).
him/her.
us.
you (m.p.).
you (f.p.).
them (m).
them (I:).
Future : /ur in : i adi*1sl ;m/
ur'in:i ad yif i ysl:m
ur in: i ad yif s is1:m
ur in: i ad yif m isl:m
ur in;i ad yif s isl:m
will not greet
will not greet me.
will not greet you (m.s.).
will not greet you (f.s.).
will not greet him/her.
54
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Pronominal Systems
Reference Grammar Tarnazight Pronominal Systems
ur
ur
ur
ur
ur
in:i
in:i
in:i
in:i
in: i
ad
ad
ad
ad
ad
yif
yif
yi f
yif
yi f
ny
un
knt
sn
snt
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
Present:
/urdayt: si: am/
urfdayif i
ur
ur
ur
ur
ur
ur
ur
ur
dayif
dayif
dayif
dayif
dayif
dayif
dayi f
dayif
m
s
.ny
un
knt
sn
sn t
yt:s1:am
it: s1: am
it:s1:am
it: S1: am
it: :am
it: Si: am
it: s1: am
it: Si: am
it;S1:am
He
He
He
He
He
he
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
will
will
will
will
will
does
does
does
does
does
does
does
does
does
does
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
us.
you (m.p.).
you (f.p.).
them (in).
them (f).
me.
you (m.s.).
you (f.s.).
him/her.
us.
you (m.p.).
you (f.p.).
them (m).
them (f).
III. 3.2.2 With Transitive Verbs:
Direct Objects
Past:
/sal/
/urisal/
ur i ysal
ur s isal
ur sm isal
ur t isal
ur t: isal
to ask
he did
He did
He did
He did
He did
He did
not
not
not
not
not
not
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
me.
you (m.s.).
you (f.s.).
him.
her.
55
Reference Grammar
Tama.zigbt
Pronominal Systems
Reference Grammar Tama zight Pronorninal Systems
ur
ur
ur
ur
ur
ay
kn
knt
tn
tnt
isal
isal
i sal
i sal
isal
He did not ask us.
Future:
/ur in :i adisal/
ur in :i 'adi ysal
ur in:i ak: isal
ur in:i ak:m isal
ur in:i at: isal
Ur in:i at: isa.
ur in:i aday isal
ur in:i ak:n isal
ur in: i ak:nt isal
ur in:i at:n isal
ur in:i at:nt isal
/urdayt: sal/
ur day it:sal
ur das it:sal
He
He
He
He
he
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
he
He
He
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
did not ask you (m.p.).
did not ask you (f.p.).
did not ask them (m).
did not ask them (f).
me.
you (m.s.).
you (f.s.).
him.
her.
us.
you (m.p.).
you (f.p.)
them (m).
them (f).
Present:
does
does
does
does
does
does
not
not
not
not
not
not
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
ask
ur
ur
ur
dasmn
dat
dat:
it:sal
it: Sal
it: sal
He
He
He
me.
you (m.s.).
you (f.s.).
him.
her.
56
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Pronominal Systems
ur
ur
ur
ur
ur
'day
dakn
daknt
datn
datnt
it:sal
it: sal
it: sal
it:sal
it: sal
He
He
He
He
He
does
does
does
does
does
not ask
not ask
not ask
not ask
not ask
Past:
/ny/ to kill
/urinyi/ he did
uri ynyi He did
urE inyi He did
ursm inyi He did
urt inyi He did
urt: inyi He did
uray inyi He did
urkn inyi He did
urkcnt inyi He did
urtn inyi He did
urtnt inyi He did
/i + i-/ /-iy-/
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
us.
you (m.p.).
you (f.p.).
them (m).
them (f).
me.
you (m.s.).
you (f.s.).
him.
her.
us.
you (m.p.).
you (f.p.).
them (m).
them (f).
Future: /ur in:i adiny/
ur in:i adi yny
ur in: i ak: iny
ur in:i ak:m in
he
He
He
He
will not kill
will not kill me.
will not kill you (r.s.).
will not kill you (f.s.).
57
Reference Grammar
Tama zight
Pronominal Systems
Reference Grammar Tama z iglit Pronominal Systems
ur
ur
ur
ur
ur
ur
ur
in:i
in: i
in: i
in: i
in:i
in: i
in:i
at
at:
aday
ak:n
als:nt
at :n
at:nt
iny
iny
my
inY
iny
inY
inY
Present:
/urdaynq:a/
ulrt day ingqa
ur daE inq:a
ur daim inq:a
ur dat inq:a
ur dat: inq:a
ur day inq:a
ur dakn inq:a
ur dalnt inq:a
ur datn inq:a
ur datnt inq:a
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
he
he
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
He
will
will
will
will
will
will
will
does
does
does
does
does
does
does
does
does
does
does
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
not
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
kill
him.
her.
us.
you (m.p.).
you (f.p.).
them (m).
them (f).
me.
you (m.s.).
you (f.s.).
him.
her.
us.
you (m.p.).
you (f.p.).
them (m).
them (f).
III. 3.3
111.3.3.1
Interrogative
With Intransitive Verbs: Indirect Objects
/siwl/ to speak
58
Reference Grammar
Temazight
Pronominal Systems
Refrece rama Tenaigt Ponmial ysem
Past:
/is isiwl/
is i (ysiwl
is as isiwl
is am isiwl
is as isiwl
is ay isiwl
is awn isiwl
is aknt isiwl
is asnt isiwl
is asnt isiwl
did
Did
Did
Did
Did
Did
Did
Did
Did
Did
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
speak?
speak to
speak to
speak to
speak to
speak to
speak to
speak to
speak to
speak to
me?
you (m.s.)?
you (f.s.)?
him/her?
us?
you (m.p.)?
you (f.p.)?
them (m)?
them (f)?
Future: /id
id:
id:
id:
id:
id:
id:
id:
id:
id:
: adisiwl/
ad i ysiwl
ad as isiwl
ad am isiwl
ad as isiwl
ad ay isiwl
ad awn isiwl
ad aknt isiwl
ad asn isiwl
ad asnt isiwl
will
Will
Will
Will
Will
Will
Will
Will
Will
Will
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
speak?
speak to
speak to
speak to
speak to
speak to
speak to
speak to
speak to
speak to
me?
you (m.s.)?
you (f.s.)?
him/her?
us?
you (m.p.)?
you (f.p.)?
them (m)?
them (f)?
59
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Pronominal Systems
Rererence Grammar Tama z ight Pronominal Systems
Past:
/sl:m/
/is isl:m/
is yif-i
is yif s
is yif m
is yif s
is yif fly
is yif un
is yif knt
is yif sn
islyifjsnt
ysl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:lm
to greet
did he
Did he
Did he
Did he
Did he
Did he
Did he
Did he
Did he
Did he
greet?
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
me?
you (m.s.)?
you (f.s.)?
him/her?
us?
you (m.p.)?
you (f.p.)?
them (m)?
them (f)'?
Future:
/id: ad isl:m/
id: ad yif i
id: ad yif s
id: ad yif m
id: ad yif s
id: ad yif ny
id: ad yif un
id: ad yif knt
id: ad yif sn
id: ad yif snt
ysl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
isl:m
will
Will
Will
Will
Will
Will
Will
Will
Will
Will
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
greet?
greet me?
greet you (m.s.)?
greet you (f.s.)?
greet him/her?
greet us?
greet you (m.p.)?
greet you (f.p.)?
greet them (m)?
greet them (f)?
6o
Reference Grammar
Tama zight
Pronominal Systems
Reference Grammar Tarna zight Pronominal Systems
Pr
esent: /is dayt : sl: am/ does he greet?
is da yif i yt: sl: am Does he greetr
is da yif s it:sl:am Does he greet1
is da yif m it:sl:am Does he greet
is da yif s it:sl:am Does he greet
is da yif fny it:sl:am Does he greet
is da yif un it:sl:am Does he greett
is dia yif knt it:s1:am Does he greet
is cia yif sn it: sl:amn Does he greet I
is cia yif snt i t asl aam Does he greet I
I. 3.3.2 With Transitive Verbs: Direct Objects
/sal/ to ask
Past: /is isal/ did he ask?
is i ysal Did he ask me?
is ay isal Did he ask us?
is tnt isal Did he ask then
me?
you (m.s. )?
you (f.s. )?
him/her?
us?
you (m.p.)?
you (f.p.)?
them (m)?
them (f )?
II.
(f)"?
Future:
Present:
/id: adisal/
id: ak: isal
id: at: isal
id: ak:n isal
id: at~nt isal
/is dayt:sal/
is day it:sal
is daem it:sal
will
Will
Will
Will
Will
does
Does
Does
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
ask?
ask you (m.s.)?
ask him?
ask you (m.p.)?
ask them (f)?
ask?
ask me?
ask you (f.s.)?
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Pronominal Systems
Reference Grammar Tamazi~ht Pronominal Systems
Past:
Future:
is'dat: f it:sal
is dakn it:sal
is datn it:sal
/nY/
/is inya/
is i ynya
is t: inya
is ay inya
is tn inya
/id: adiny/
id: adi yny
id: ak:m my
id: at: my
id: aday my
id: alc:nt my
id: atent my
/is daynq:a/
is day ing:a
is dasm inq:a
is dat inq:a
is day ingq:a
is dakcnt inq:a
is datit ing.:a
Does he ask her?
Does he ask you (m.p.)?
Does he ask them (m)?
to kill
did he kill?
Did he kill me?
Did he kill her?
Did he kill us?
Did he kill them (m)?
will
Will
Will
Will
Will
Will
Will
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
kill?
kill me
kill you (f.s.)?
kill him?
kill us?
kill you (f.p.)?
kill them (f)?
kill?
kill me?
kill you (f.s.)?
kill him?
kill us?
kill you (f.p.)?
kill them (f)?
Present:
does he
Does he
Does he
Does he
Does he
Does he
Does he
62
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Pronominal Systems
Reference Grammar Ta ma z i~ht
III.3.14
III.3,4.1
Negative Interrogative
With Intransitive Verbs: Indirect Objects
/siwl/ to speak
/isur isiwl/ didn't he spea
isur i ysiwl Didn't he spea]
isur am isiwl Didn't he spea
isur am isiwl Didn't he spea
isur as isiwi Didn't he spea
isur ayn isiwl Didn't he spea
isur awn iniwl Didn't he spea
isur aint isiwl Didn't he spea
istur asn isiwl Didn't he spea
isur asnit isiw1 Didn't he spea
k?
k
k
k
k
k
k
k
Lk
Lk
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
me?
you (m.s.)?
you (f.s.)?
him/her?
us'?
you (m.p.)?
you (f.p. )?
them (m)?
them (f)?
Future:
/isur isawal/ won't he speak?
Notice that in this particular construction, the
future is formed from the conjugated Habitual Verb Stem.
isur i ysawal Won't he speak to me?
isur as isawal Won't he speak to you (m.s.)?
isur am isawal Won't he speak to you (f.s.)?
isilr as isawal Won't he speak to him/her?
isur ay isawal Won't he speak to us?
isur awn isawal Won't he speak to you (m.p.)?
isur aknt isawal Won't he speak to you (f.p.)?
63
Reference Grammar
Ta ma z i gh t
Pronominal Systems
Refference Grammar Tama zight Pronominal Systems
isur asn isawal
isur asnt isawal
Won't he speak to them (m)?
Won't he speak to them (f)?
Present:
/isur daysawal/
isur day isawal
isur dai isawal
isur dam isawal
isur das isawal
isur day isawal
isur dawn isawal
isur daknt isawal
isur dasn isawal
isur dasnt isawal
doesn't
Doesn' t
Doesn't
Doesn' t
Doesn't
Doesn' t
Doesn't
Doesn' t
Doesn' t
Doesn' t
he speak?
he speak to me?
he speak to you (m.s.)?
he speak to you (f.s.)?
he speak to him/her?
he speak to us?
he speak to you (m.p.)?
he speak to you (f.p.)?
he speak to them (in)?
he speak to them (f)?
64
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Pronominal Systems
Reference Grammar Ta ma z igh t Pronominal Systems
Past:
/sl:m/
/isur isl:im/
isur yif i ysl:im
isur yif i is1:im
isur yif m i sl :im
is yif s isl:im
isur yif ny isl:im
isur yif un isl:iim
isur yif knt isl:in
isur yif snt isl:iim
isur yif snt isl:im
/isur i t: sl: am/
isur yifi yt:sl:arn
isur yif E it:s1:an
isur yif m it:sl:am
isur yif s it:sl:aam
isur yif n y i t: s1: am
isur yif un it:sl:aam
isur yif knt it: sl:am
isur yif sn it:sl:am
isur yif snt it:sl:am
to greet
didn't he
Didn't he
Didn't he
Didn't he
Didn't he
Didn't he
Didn't he
Didn't he
Didn't he
Didn't he
greet?
greet me?
greet you (m.s.)?
greet you (f.s.)?
greet him/her?
greet us?
greet you (m.p.)?
greet you (f.p.)?
greet them (m)
greet them (f)?
Future:
won' t
Won't
Won't
Won't
Won' t
Won't
Won' t
Won't
Won' t
Won' t
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
greet?
greet me?
greet you (m.s.)?
greet you (f.s.)?
greet him/her?
greet us?
greet you (m.p.)?
greet you (f.p.)?
greet them (m)'?
greet them (f)?
65
Reference Grammar
Ta ma z i gh t
Pronominal Systems
ReeeneGama Traigh rooinlSytm
Present:
111.3x.4.2
Past:
/istir dayt;sl:am/ doesn't he 2
isur cia yif' i yt :sl :am Doesn't he 2
isur cia yif s it: slam Doesn't he
i sur cia yi f m i t :sl :am Doesn't he @
t;s misur cia "if s it~la Doesn't heE
isur cia yif flA( it:sl:am Doesn't heE
i su~rcia yi f ufl it: s1: am Doesn't heE
isur cia y if knt it :sl :am Doesn't heE
isur cia yif 5fl it: shamn Doesn't he
isur cia yfif snt it; sl: am Doesn't he
With Transitive Verbs: Direct Objects
/sal/ to ask
/isur isal/ didn't he a:
isur *1 ysal Didn't he a:.
isur s i sal Didn't he a,
isur sm isal Didn't he a:
isur t isal Didn't he a:
isur t ; isal Didn't he a:.
isur ay isal Didn't he a,
isur lcn isal Didn't he a:.
i su r ~n t isal Didn't he a;
isur to isal Didn't he a;
i sur tnt isal Didn't he a;
greet?
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
greet
me?
you (m.s.)?
you (f.s.)?
him/her?
us?
you (m.p.)?
you (r.p.)?
them (in)?
them (f)?
3k?
sk
3k
3k
3k
sk
sk
sk
sk
sk
me?
you (m.s.)?
you (f.s.)?
him?
her?
us?
you (m.p.)?
you (f~p.)?
them (in) ?
them (f)?
66
Reference Grammar
Tarna z fight
Pronominal Systems
Future: /isur i t:sal/
isur i yt:sal
isur it:sal
isur srn it:sal
isur t it:sal
isur t: it:sal
isur ay it:sal
isur kn it: sal
isurknt it:sal
isur tnf it :sal
isur tnt it:sal
/ny/
Past: /isur inyi/
isuri yn yi
isur inyi
isur s inyi
isur t inyi
isur t:; in yi
isur ay i nyi
isur kn inyi
isur knt inxyi
i sur tn inyi
isur tnt inyi
won't he
Won't he
Won't he
Won't he
Won't he
Won't he
Won't he
Won't he
Won't he
Won't he
Won't he
ask?
ask me?
ask you (m.s.)?
ask you (f.s.)?
ask him?
ask her?
ask us?
ask you (m.p.)?
ask you (f.p.)?
ask them (m)?
ask them (f)?
to kill
didn't
Didn' t
Didn't
Didn' t
Didn't
Didn't
Didn' t
Didn't
Didn't
Didn't
Didn' t
he kill
he kill,
he kill
he kill
he kill
he kill
he kill
he kill
he kill
he kill
he kill
?
me?
you (m.s.)?
you (f.s.)?
him?
her?
us?
you (m.p.)?
you (f.p.)?
them (m)?
them (f)?
67
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Pronominal Systems
Reference Grammar Taruazight Pronorr~inal Systems
Future:
Present:
/isur ing:a/
isur i ynq:a
i sur S ing:a
isur 'n ing :a
isur t inqg:a
isur t; inq:a
isur ay in:a
isur kn ing:a
isur knt inq:a
isur tn ingq;a
isurttnt inq:a
/isur daynq:a/
isur day inq;a
isur daE inq:a
isur dasm inq:a
isur dat inq:a
isur dat: inq:a
isur day inq:a
isar dakrn inq: a
isur daknt inq:a
isur datn inq:a
isur datnt inq:a
won' t
Won' t
Won' t
Won t
Won' t
Won' t
Won't
Won' t
Won' t
Won't
Won't
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
kill?
kill me?
kill you (m.s.)'?
kill you (f.s.)'?
kill him?
kill her?
kill us'?
kill you (m.p.)?
kill you (f.p.))?
kill them (m)?
kill them (f))?
doesn' t
Doesn't
Doesn't
Doesn't
Doesn' t
Doesn' t
Doesn' t
Doesn' t
Doesn' t
Doesn' t
Doesn' t
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
kill?
kill me?
kill you (m.s.))?
kill you (f.s.)?
kill him?
kill her?
kill us?
kill you (m.p.)?
kill you (f.p.)?
kill them (m)?
kill them (f))?
68
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Pronominal Systems
Reference Grammar Tamazight Pronominal Systems
Ili f 4
III.) . l
Demonstrative Pronouns (Independent Set )
Singular
m.
f.
Proximate Remote
wa wan:
ta tan:
III.4.2 Plural
m.
f.
Proximate Remote
wi win:
ti tin:
8
III.4.3
III.4.3.1
Demonstrative Pronominal Suffixes
L
/ -in:#/
that
(m,f,s,p)
this
(m,f, s,p)
Suffixed to nouns ending
i.e.
/-a# +
/-u# +
/-a# +
/-u# +
(#3-a -ya# this
in 1 -yu#
-ume -yin:# that
-a#/ )/-aya#/
-u#/ - /-uyu#/
-in:#/- )- /-ayin:#/
-in : #/ )- /-uyin : #/
69
Reference Grammar
Tamazgt
Pronominal Systems
ReerncyGamarT amLA L+i rrt ronmial ysem
Examples:
111,4.3.2
111.4.3.3
tad:arta
s:baha
tad:artin:
tad:rwinin:
tabardaya (- /-r:#/
/-1# +-#
/-n# +--n#//-n:#
Singular
agrur
ayd: ar
ahaq: ar
agam: ar
ahn dir
ahrir
aydrur
abaq:ar
abh: ar
abulxir
adyar
adrdur
Plural
igrur: (/-tu-/
argaz ntmq:ut: ( g:/
as in /ag:d:an/ this will be transcribed as one word.
16) mand:iyun ?
-mand:iyun ag:d:an
yr s:uq: ?
=muha ag:d:an
17) mand:iknt ?
-mand:i1gnt ag:s :nwan
ayrum ?
=fadma
=nk:
Which one of you (m)?
Which one of you (m.)
went to the market?
Muha.
Which one of you (f)?
Which one of you (f)
baked the bread?
Fadma.
I.
135
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Particles
Refrene Gammr ama igt Prtile
S :nw
18) mand:iynr ?
-mand:iyny ay trid ?
=sg : amuha
=m: afadma
to cook
Which one of us?
Which one of us do
you want?
You, Muha.
You, Fadma.
19) mand:iksn ?
-mand:iksn ay trid ?
-mand:iksn ag:swan atay ?
=muha
20) mand:iksnt ?
--mand : iksnt ag :s :nwan
ayrum ?
=fadma
Which one of
Which one of
do you want?
Aly
Which one of
drank the teE
Muha.
them
them
(m)?
(m.)
them (m)
a?
Which one
Which one
baked the
Fadma.
of them
of them
bread ?
(f )
21) is ?
-istrid atay ?
=la . riy lq:hwa
-isid:a muha ?
=y:ih
Do-Have-Is/Are?
Do you want tea?
No, I want coffee.
Did Muha go?
Yes.
22) id: ? Do-Have-Is/Will/Are?
-id: tad:artnE aya ? Is this your house?
=y:ih Yes.
-id: nt:a ? Is it him?
-id: nt:at ? Is it her?
=la No.
-id :adixdm ? Is he going to work?
Will he work?
=la No.
/id:/ is here transcribed as part of a verbal construc-
tion but autonomous from a following noun.
136
Reference Grammar
TIlamazight
Particle s
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight Particles
V.2
1.
Interrogative Particles (Ayt Seghrouchen)
may Who?
-mag :ms muhnd ? Who is Muhnd
-muhnd amd :ak :l nli ag :Eu Mohamed is Aly' s friend.
-maytms mam:a ? Who Is mamma?
-mam:a im:as m:uhnd aytiu . (< n-munnd) Mamma is Mohamed' s
mother.
2. may
-may t :init ?
-walu
-may tn:it ?
-n:ixas yal:ah
tad :art .*
an:rah yr
3. mat:a
-mat :a was: ?
-it :nayn
-mat :a laswaq: din yr tg:urt ?
-1 :atsw :aq:x sk :ura
4. mi
-k: dmi ?
-nts dmuhnd
-matisa dmi ?
-matisa dl:ubya
5. mani
mani muhnd ?
-irah yr s:uq:
-il:a da - -
-il:a din: - -
-uril :i
-urs :inx
-durt :x ad,*i''id
What?
What are you saying?
Nothing
What did you say?
I told you, "Let's
go home."
What, which
What, which day?
Monday
Which market do you go to?
I. go to Skoura market.
Who, what.
You and who (else) ?
Muhnd and I.
Tomatoes and what?
Tomatoes and green beans.
Where?
Where is Muhnd?
He went to the market.
He is here.
He is there.
He is not
I do not know
He will be back soon.
137
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Particles
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight Particles
6. mayr
-mayr da tq:imt ?
urufx mani yr ya rahx
7. mat:a luq:t
mat :a luq:t ayd:ya icid sli ?
- idu
8. mimi milmi
-mlmi ayd:i'id muhnd
-urs :inx
-idn :at
-mlmi ayd:yaycid muhnd
-durtx ad:i 'id
9. wim:i (< win + mi ), wig:ilin
wig:ilin izru ?
winw
win 1i
win: s
10. tim:i wig:ilin ?
(< tin + mi)
wig:ilin tad:artu
~ tim:i tad:artu
tineli
tin:s
tin:m
tin:s
tin:x
tin:un
tin :snt
tin sn
tin:snt
Why?
Why are you staying here?
I do not know where to
go.(Lit: I do not find
where to go).
When, What time.
When is Aly coming back?
Today.
When ?
When did Muhnd come back?
I do not know.
Yesterday.
When is Muhnd coming back?
He will be back soon.
Whose (m) ?
Whose field is this?
Mine.
Aly's.
His.
Whose is...?
Whose house is this?
Aly's.
Yours (ns).
Yours (fs).
His/ Hers.
Ours.
yours (mp).
Yours (fp).
Theirs (mp).
Theirs (fp).
138
Reference Grammar
Tamazinht Particles
Referencav VewGama azirr_'_--h-t-C-Pvarticles ..
11. wig:ilin
wig:ilin tad:artu ?
timn:uhnd ( ist:ad:artn: s
-y:ih
-isd + nt:a --->isn:t:a
-isd + nt:at --->isn:t:at
-la
-isd adixdm ?
-urs :inx
140
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Particles
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight Particles
V-3 Conjunctions
V.3.1 Ayt Ayache
1) 1:iy
ad:ay
nd:a 1:iy did:a
ad:ay nwin waman ademry atay
2) 1:iy
1:iy das:aray Eme y deli.
3) yas an:axf yas
yas an:axf t:uiadm nd:u
yas adnwin waman ado m:ry atay
4) ay
n:a
muha ag: d:an . (< ay id:an)
fadma ag: d:an
tisir satin ag: d :an .
argaz n:a yd:an , yma ag:a .
1:una ay xtary
1:un n:a xtary aya
lc il n:a yran lk:as aya.
han leil n:a yran lk:as.
tarb:at: n:a yran lk:as aya
han tarb:at n:a yran lk:as .
when
When he came we left
When the water boils, I
will make tea.
while
While I was walking, I
met Aly .
as soon as
As soon as you (m.p.)
are ready we will go
As soon as the water
boils I'll make tea.
who, which
It's Muha who went.
It's Fatma who went.
It's the girls who went.
The man who went is my
brother.
It's this color which
I choose.
This is the color which
I choose.
This is the boy who wants
the glass.
There is the boy who
wants the glass.
This is the girl who
wants the glass.
There is the girl who
wants the glass.
This is the cow that
ate the grass.
tafunast n:a ytsan tuya aya
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Particles
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight Particles
han tafunast n:a ytsan tuya
There is the cow that
ate the grass.
5) ak:ma
ak:mani
ak:milmi
ak:an:a
ak:un:a
whatever
wherever
whenever
whatever
whoever
ak:ma yr id:a, yaf zla
ak:mani yr id:a , yaf zha
ad:ud yur:y ak:rmilmi
ak:an:a trid adaitsy
ak:wn:a did:an tsmas atay
6) d
id:a muha deli yrs:uq:
7) walayn:i
walakn :i
masa
d:iy walayn:i urn:ufiy muha
8) la ... ula ...
urifhim la imalik ula lwazirns
ayn:a yn:a Izha
9) al:iy
al:
iq:ra al:iy iwhl
Wherever he goes, he finds
Jeha.
Wherever he goes, he finds
Jeha.
Come to see us, whenever
(you want).
I'll give you whatever you
want.
Give tea to whoever comes
here.
and
Muha and Ali went to the
market.
but
I went but I did not find
Muha.
neither...nor...
Neither the king nor
his minister understood
what Jeha said.
until
until
He studied until he got
142
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Particles
Reference Grammar Tama z ight Particles
q:irm al: did:u
10) t:afad
hma
rb:ay tamaziyt t:afad adsiwly
imd:n da
rb:ay tamaziyt hma adsiwly
imd:n da
11) 'lahq:
riyt slahq: izil
12) mad
is trid lq:hwa mad atay ?
Stay until he comes.
so that
in order to
I studied Berber so that
I could talk to people
here,
I studied Berber so that
I could talk to people
here.
because
I like him because he is
nice.
or
Do you want coffee or tea?
V.3.2 Ayt Seghrouchen
1) zg:a
ad :ay
nrah zg:a d:irah
ad:ay nun waman ade'm:rx at:ay
2) zg:a
zg:a s:arix zmex deli
3) xas , adinx
xas adnun waman ad m:rx at :ay
adinx t:uzidm an:rah
4) ay , din
muhnd ag:rahn
lwalun ag:rahn
when
We left when he came.
When the water boils,
I will make tea.
while
I met Ali while I was
walking.
as soon as
IT11 make tea as soon
as the water is boiled.
We will leave as soon as
you are ready.
who, which
It is Muhnd who left.
It is the kids who left.
143
..._..
Reference Grammar Tama
mam:a ag:rahn
tibir:atin ag:rahn
1:unu ayxtarx
1:un din xtarx ayu
arba din ibyan lkas ayu
zight
has arba din ibyan ikas
tarbat: din ibyan ikas ayu.
hahn: tarbat : din ibyan ikas
tafunast din itsin tuta ayu
hasn: tafunast din itsin tuza
has aryaz din yr syix izru
5) ak:adin
ak :mani
ak:adin in:a tha its lmalik:
ak:mani yr irah izme dzha
Particles
It is Mamma who left.
It is the girls who left
It is this color I chose.
This is the color I chose.
That is the boy who wants
the glass.
There is the boy who wants
the glass.
This is the girl who wants
the glass.
There is the girl who
wants the glass.
This is the cow which ate
the grass.
There is the cow which
ate the grass.
This is the man from
whom I bought the field.
whatever
wherever
The king laughed at
anything Jeha said.
He meets Jeha wherever
he goes.
and, with
Muha and Ali went to the
market.
6)
d
irah muha de li yr s :uq:
7) walayn:i , walakayn:i , masa
rahx walayn:i rn:ufix muhnd
walakayn:i
masa
8) la ----ula
urifhim la lmalik: ula lwazirn:s
adin in:a zha
but
neither, nor
Neither the king nor
his minister understood
what Jeha said.
144
Reference Gramma r
Tamaz fight
Particles
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight Particles
ul:it:t:x la lbsl la tis:rt
9)
azg :a
al:
iq:ra azg:a ywhl
q:im al: d:irah.
10) t:af
zm:c lflus t:af at:aft mas
yatsyt t:unubil .
11) e lahq:
byixt c lahq : ie dl .
12) mad
is tbyit lq:hwa mad at :ay ?
Prepositions
Ayt Ayache
1) s , yr , i
id:a sasif
id:a yr s:uq:
sasd s:init imuha adiem:r .
ts :nwa fadma ayrum imuha
2) yr / --Noun
yur/ -- Pronoun
insa hd:u yr muha
I eat neither onions
nor garlic.
till, until
He studied until he
got tired.
Stay until he comes.
in order to, so that.
Save money so that you
buy a car. (Lit: so
that you find what to
buy a car with.)
because
I like him because he
is nice.
or
Do you want coffee
or tea?
to (for)
He went to the river.
He went to the market.
Give Muha the tray
(and the tea pot &
glasses) so that he
can make tea.
Fadma baked bread for
Muha.
v.4
V.4.1
at
Haddu spent the night
at Muha's place.
145
.._.. _
Reference Grammar
3) y
il:a ytad:art
Tamazight
in
Particles
He is home (in the
house).
Notice: y + i --->g:
y + a --->g:"
y irdn ------>g:irdn
y abrid ----->g:brid
in the wheat
in the road
4)
s
yumzt: sufus
with (instrumental)
He held it (f.) with
the hand.
5) s to (Directional)
id:a sasif He went to the river.
Notice: A noun is in the Construct State after instru-
mental /s/ but not after directional /s/.
6) xf / --- Noun
y if / ---Pronoun
tl:a xf d:bla
tl:a Aifs
7) tf:ir
dar
il:a tf:ir ntad:art
tl:a dar ntad:artns
8) dat
il:a dat ntad:art
9) zy
id:ad zy midlt
td:ad tbrat: zymuha
10) n
ha tasarut: ntad:art
on
It (f.) is on the
table. s
It (f.) is on it.
behind
He is behind the house.
She is behind her house.
in front of
He is in front of
the house.
from
He came from Midelt.
A letter came from Muha.
of
Here is the kev for the
house.
146
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Particles
Refeenc Grmma Tamz iht artcle
Notice: phonological changes of
n + lbab--------> 1:bab
n + atay--------> w:atay
n + iful:usn ---> yful:usn
n + z:itun------> nz:itun
11) ingr
am:as
tl :a ingr tiwriq :in 1:kn :as
tl:a am:as l:kn:as
12) qbl
id:ad qbl tifawt
13) tf:ir
id:ad tf:ir 1:xtubt
14) d:aw
tl:a d:aw nd:bla
of the door
of tea
of chickens
of olives
between
in the middle of
It (f.) is between
the pages of the
notebook.
It (f.) is in the middle
of the note book.
before
He came before dawn.
after
He came after the Fri-
day prayer.
under
It (f.) is under the
table.
V.4.2
1)
Ayt Seghrouchen
yr , i
irah yr iyzr
irah yr s:uq:
u sd: s:iny:a imuhnd
adie'm:r .
to
He went to the river.
He went to the market.
Give Mohand the tray
(and the tea pot and
glasses) so that he
will make tea.
Mamma baked bread for
Mohand.
at (chez in French)
Haddou spent the night
at Mohacs place.
ts :nu mam:a ayrum imuhnd
yr
insu hd:u yr muha
2)
147
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Particles
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight Particles
3) y
il:a ytad:art
Notice: y + i ---->g:
y + a ---->g:
y + irdn----------->g:irdn
y + abrid --------- g :brid
in
He is home (in the
house)
in the wheat
in the road
with (instrumental)
He held it (f.) with
the hand.
4)
s
it : ft : sufus
5)
x
on
tl:a xt:bla
tl:a xs
Notice: xfi = on me
6) df:ir
il:a df:ir ntad:art
7) zdat
il:a zdat ntad:art
It (f.) is on the table.
It (f.) is on it.
behind
He is behind the house.
in front of
He is in front of
the house.
from
He came from Midelt.
A letter came from Muha.
8)
zy
irahd: zy midit
trahd: tbrat: zy muha
9)
n of
ha tsarut: ntad:art
Notice: phonological changes of /n/
n + lbab---------->l:bab
n + at:ay--------->w:at:ay
n + udi---------->w:udi
n + ifilan-------->y:filan
Here is the key for
the house.
of the door
of tea
of the butter
of the threads
148
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Particles
Reference Grammar Tamazight Part Ic les
10) zar
am:as
tl:a zar tiwriqin 1:kn:as
ll) qbl , zdat
irahd: zdat 1:fzr
12) df:ir
irahd: df :ir 1:xadbt -
13) d:aw
l: a .d waw nt"bla ."
between
in the middle
It (f. ) is between the
pages of the notebook.
before
He came before dawn.
after
He came after the
Friday prayer.
under
It (f.) is under the
table.
V.5
The Presentational Particles.
1) ha (A.A. and A.S.)
ha muha id:ad
ha muhnd irahd:
must be followed by a noun:
Here...is, Here...are
Here comes Muha (A.A )
Here comes Muha (A.S )
2) han (A.A.)
hat (A.A.)
has (A.S.)
has (A.s.)
followed by a noun
followed by a verbal form
followed by a noun
plus a third person pronominal suffix
han muha id:ad
hat id:ad
has muhnd irahd:
hast
halt:
hastn
habtnt
Here -comes Muha (A-.A.)
Here he comes (A.A.)
Here comes Muha (A.S.)
Here he is
Here she is.
Here they are (m.)
Here they (f.) are.
149
Reference Grammar Tamazight Particles
v.6 Vocative Particle
a vocative particle (Oh, you)
This is the same both in Ayt Ayache and Ayt Seghrouchen.
ad:ud amuha . Come here Muha.
(Ayt Ayache)
awru anmuhnd . Come here Muha
(Ayt Seghrouchen)
V.7 Conditional Particles
(1) mg (A.A.,A.S.) if (possible, orobable)
ms dhr: isignaw adwit unzar (A.A.)
If clouds annear, it rains.
mi imrd hd: layt:wacad adbib (A.S.)
If somebody is sick, he sees the doctor.
(2) miur (A.A.,A.S.) if not (possible, orobable)
msur did:i ask:a add:uy yrmidlt (A.A.)
mrur d:irah dutsa , adrahx ymidlt (A.S.)
If he does not come tomorrow, I'll go to Midelt.
(3) mr (A.A., A.S.) if (contrary to fact.
imossible )
mr yuri 1: in lflus idl:1 , 1:asyiy igran neli (A.A. )
If I had had the money yesterday, I would have
bought Aly's fields.
mr d:irah , l:awsixas lhzab (A.S. ).
Had he come, I would have given him the amulet.
150
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Particles
Reference Grammar Tamazight Particles
(4) mrid: (A.A.), mlid: (A.S.) if (contrary to fact,
impossible)
mrid: Ea yadn , urit:awy taqb:uta sql:mn sbemysat ryal (A.A.)
If it were somebody else, I would not have given him
the djellaba for less than 700 Ryals.
mrid: isuridawa d:alb 1sil , l:aym:ut . (A.A.)
Had the Sheikh not cured the boy, he would have died.
mlid: hd: dnin yurit:awy taqb:ut:u sql: mnsbe my:at
ryal (A.S.)
It it were somebody else, I would not have given him
the djellaba for less than 700 Ryals.
mlid: isuridawi t:alb arba l:aym:ut (A.S.)
Had the Sheikh not cured the boy, he would have died.
151
VI. Grammar of the Verb
This section treats the grammar of the verb in Ayt Ayache
in an exhaustive manner. It discusses Verb Stems (both basic
and derived) as well as Noun Stems (Verbal Nouns). It also
discusses Temporal and Modal derivations. Examples and rules
for all the derivations are included in this section. A
morphophonemic sketch stating forty-four possible changes
appears at the end of this section.
Notes on the grammar of the verb in Ayt Seghrouchen,
showing differences from Ayt Ayache with ample examples,
appear before Appendices A and B. Appendix A is a Verb Sample
Appendix for Ayt Ayache. It is followed by a verb list of 450
verbs from that dialect. Appendix B is a Verb Sample Appendix
for Ayt Seghrouchen.
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
VI. Grammar of the Verb
VI.1 Basic and Derived Verb Stems
VI.1.1 Basic Verb Stems
All unaugmented stems (1-77) appearing in position a)
in the Verb Sample Appendix A (pp. 245-261) are
basic verb stems (v). As is seen from the examples, some
basic verb stems (V) are clearly borrowings from Arabic.
However, these stems are now considered an integral part of
Tamazight verb lexicon, since they conform completely to
the derivational and inflectional patterns of the native
* **
stems: e.g., Basic verb stems 45 /zdm/ 'collect wood'
(Native or Berber) and 44 /xdm/ 'work' (Arabic loan), derive
the following nouns of agent : /azd:am/, /izd:amn/, /tazd:amt/,
/tizd:amin/ and /axd:am/, /ixd:amn/, /taxd:amt/, /tixd:amin/
(ms, mp, fs, fp respectively for each set) . Temporal and Modal
derivations and even native ablaut (seeVl.g.1) that apply to
V45 /zdm/ (Berber) apply to V44 /xdm/ (Arabic): e.g., /zdmy/
'I collected wood', /xdmTy/ 'I worked' ; /urnzdim/ 'we did not
collect wood' and /urnxdim/ 'we did not work'.
VI.1.2 Derived Verb Stems
All augmented verb stems appearing in position a) in
*
A number preceding a form (or a stem) refers to the place of
V (Basic Verb Stem) in the Verb Sample Appendix A
pp . 245-261
*Meanings of V' s are glossed as infinitives without "to" .
153
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
the Verb Sample Appendix are derived stems (Causative SV,
Reciprocal MV, Recipro-Causative MSV, and Passive TuV). To
support the statement made in VLl.1 above about the conformity
of borrowed stems to native derivational patterns, the following
examples are here cited using derivatives of stems /yus /,/sum /
and /kmz/, /frs/:
V SV MSV
ts 'be burnt' (Berber) syu s m: syu s
Turm 'swim' (Arabic loan) s sum m: s sum
V MV TuV
kmz 'scratch' (Berber) m:kmaz t:ukmz
frs 'attack' (Arabic loan) m:fras t:ufrs
VI.2 Verb Affixes
Verb affixes are either movable or fixed affixes.
VI.2.1 Movable Affixes
A movable affix is one that is now pre-verbal, (i.e.
prefixed to the stem), now post-verbal (i.e. suffixed to the
stem). This section discusses two sets of affixes, the
Orientational Affixes and the Object Pronominal Affixes.
The Orientational Affixes are: /d/ denoting proximity,
and /n:/ denoting remoteness. Thus from 71 /d: u/ 'go' we
g et : /i-d: a/ ' he went ', /i-d: a-- t:fs:ar (VH)
b) All V's marked native (i.e. not Arabic) derive their
VH's thus: II|-41t||B:I e.g.
225 rzm 'to open' -, rz:m (VH)
c) V's marked 'Arabic loan' derive their VH's by
prefix /t:-/ and ||-#0-|| /a-/ if |IBI| is not /r/ nor
/d, t, s, z, s, or z/, e.g.
126 bid 'be far' y t:bead (VH)
144 fhm 'understand' t : fham (VH)
d) If IIBII is /r/ we may get VH's as variants of both
forms mentioned in b) and c) above, e.g.
149 frh 'be happy' y fr:h
t:frah (VH)
e) If 1I B11 is /d, t, s, z, s or z/ VH is formed as in
b) above.
271 xdm ' work - y xd:m (VH )
B.i.2 To derive Vii's of B.i.2 (316-337) and B.i.3 (338-
360) the prefix /t: -/ is used: e.g.,
177
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
325 amz 'take' > t:amz (VH)
340 f:r 'hide' - > t:f:r (V-I)
/t: a#/ is the derivational affix of members of
B.ii.l (361-370), e.g.
362 af 'find' 1 t:afa (VH)
361 adE 'let' - > t:adza (VH)
369 rar 'return, give t:rara (VH)
back'
As for B.ii.2 - (371-397), /t: a#/ derives a ViH of
the structures /og0/ a g, bd:#o .-->bd: whereas 1sg-ls
derives the VH as ls:a and g0r +gr# gr derives the
VH as g:ar. This means that /0/---+/a/ and the radical
preceding /f/ [+tensel, e.g.
V Vii
377 g: 'knead' t:g:a
371 bd: 'stand up' t:bd:a
388 is 'get dressed' ls:a
376 gr 'throw away' g:ar
B.ii.3 (398-450) derive their VH' s mainly by the
prefix /t:-/. Stems with IIBI! as /n/ derive their VH's by
IIB1I- ||B:|I. Stems with |B(las /m/ derive their VH's by
variants of both processes mentioned above, e.g.
401 deu 'pray for' - t:de'u (VII)
400 bnu 'build' bn:u (VHI)
412 hmu ' be hot weatherL ~uu1 (vHi)
Reference Grammar
Tarnazight
The Verb
Refew. wrencewv A wCwrarTa- zigtTh Vr
VI.4.3 Causative Stem Derivation
The Verb Appendix shows, where the semantic features of
V permit, two causative stems appearing in positions a) and
b). The stem in position a) is referred to as SV; i.e.
causative stem and the one in position b) is referred to as
SVH, i.e. habitual of the causative stem. SV is used for
past and future tense derivations, for imperative and past
participle derivations. SVH is used for present tense, negative
imperative and present and future participle derivations.
In general SV corresponds to V (in derivational power) whereas
SVH corresponds to VH.
SV is derived from V by the causative prefix /s-/
SVH is derived from SV by an infix (/-v-/), e.g.
V SV SVH
3 fa 'yawn' sfa sfa
83 hudr 'bend' shudr shudur
173 hml 'flood' s:hml s:hmal
426 sfu 'be clean' s:fu s:fu
VI.4.k Reciprocal Verb Stem Derivation
The Verb Appendix shows, where the semantic features
of V permit, two reciprocal stems in positions a) and b).
The stem in position a) is referred to as MV, i.e. Reciprocal
Verb Stem; whereas the stem-in position b) is referred to as
179
RefereneGramma~r
Tamazight
The Verb
MVH, i.e. habitual of the reciprocal stem. Stems with
reciprocal and causative connotation (Recipro-Causative)
appear partly in the Causative and partly in the Reciprocal
columns and are referred to as: a) MSV, b) MSVH. This section
states the derivation of Recip. and Recipro-Caus. stems.
This is done because some V's derive Recipro-Causative stems
in spite of the fact that the semantic features of V do not
permit the derivation of a causative stem. Such cases are
not numerous; e.g. 383 /ry/ 'kill' does not derive a causative,
however, it derives recipro-causative: MSV /msnya/ and MSVH
/t:msnya/. Some V's derive variants, i.e. reciprocals and
recipro-causatives: e.g.
V SV SV MV
47 bd:l 'change' sbd:l mbd:al
sbd:al t:mbd:al
msbd:al
t:msbd:al
where the MV means 'to exchange or change with one another'
and the MSV means 'to cause one another to exchange. MV and
MVH correspond to V as far as Temporal and Modal derivations
are concerned, whereas MVH and MSVH correspond to VH.
MV is derived from V by the reciprocal prefix /m-/),
*
For a more elaborate description of the phonological rules
governing the shape of the causative ard /or reciprocal prefix,
see Abdel-Massih, Ernest, Tamazight Verb Structure: A Generative
Approach, Indiana University: Bloomington, Indiana, 1971.
180
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tama z ight The Verb
MSV is derived by prefixing f/-ms-/ to V. A vowel
infix is added if the stem has a consonant cluster as its
final two radicals. MVH and MSVH are derived from MV and MSV
respectively by prefix /t:-/: e.g.
V MV/MSV MVH/MSVH
37 sal 'ask' m:sal t:msal
46 cum 'swim' m:slum t:m:svum
95 talb 'demand' mtalab t:mtalab
144 fhm 'understand' msfham t :msfham
VI-4.5 Passive Verb Stem Derivation
The Verb Appendix shows two passives: TuV, i.e. passive
stem appearing in position a) and TuVH, i.e. the habitual of
the passive stem appearing in position b). TuV is derived
from V. Stems 149 and 152 in Appendix derive their passives
(TuSV) from SV
TuV is the stem that derives past and future tenses
and their modes; TuVH is the stem that derives the present
tense and its modes. The derivation of TuV from V (most
common passive) or SV (very rare passive) is achieved by the
passive derivational prefix /t:u-/ and the derivation of TuVH
from TuV by an optional infix (/-V-/) , e.g.
For a more elaborate description see Abdel-Massih, Ernest ,
O2. cit.
181
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The_ Verb_
Reference Grammar Tama zight The Verb
V
11
37
88
116
hn:a
sal
saed
bdr
'pity'
'ask'
'help'
'mention'
TuV
t:uhn:a
t:usal
t:usac d
t:ubdr
TuVH
t:uhn:a
t:usal
t:usacad
t:ubdar
VI.4.6 Derived Noun Stems and Nouns
VI.4.6.1 Introduction
It was stated before that noun stems would be discussed
though not fully. This section attempts to show the relation
between nouns of action, of agent and other derived nouns and
their V's in terms of derivations. The statements are very simple.
For more elaborate discussion see the Grammar of the Noun
VI.4.6.2 Noun Stem Derivation
Most noun stems are derived from V's; however,
nouns of action may be derived from SV, MV or MSV.
noun stems are identical with their V's (SV's, MV's
MSV's): e.g.
few
Many
or
V
84 kasf 'foretell'
V
N-act.
a-kasf-
SV
shn:a
N-agt (m, s)
am-kaif-
N-act
a-shn:a-
7 hn:a
'be peaceful'
*
Throughout this section, Noun Stems will be underlined.
182
Reference Grammar
Tamaztight
The Verb
V MV N-act
81 hash 'count' mhasab a-mnlasab-
In many cases the stem of the noun of action is derived
from V by change of ||#| to /-a-/ and the noun of agent stem
is derived from that of N-act by change of ||B|| |B:l[
([-tense] - [+tense]). This is characteristic of stems
with underlying structure 1iAB0DII: e.g.
V N-act N-agt (m,s)
167 hdm 'demolish' a-hdam- a-hd:am-
Most V s with underlying structures IAB:0D1 derive
their N-agt sitems by change of ||011--+/a-/. This particular
sub-class has (in most cases) identical V's and N-act stems: e.g.
V N-act N-agt (m,s)
123 bi:r 'give good news' a-bs:r- a-bs:ar-
The sub-class of verb stems with the underlying structure
I!OB:,#DII derives its N-act stems by change 1011-/-u-/ and
of IB:I.....IIBi ([+tense]----[-tense]). This is characteristic
of the sub-class with |AI| = l0l (lol--+/u-/), e.g.
V N-act
338 b:y 'cut' u-buy-
341 f:y 'go out' u-fuy-
The sub-class of verb stems with the underlying structure
llAB0h| derives stems of N-act and N-agt by change of ||l||--41|Vii.
183
Reference Grammar
Tamazlight
The Verb
This sub-class of verbs is characterized by deriving most of
its N-acts by the affix /m t/. If I|V1 is /-i-/ then
it - /-iw-/.
V
379
380
381
383
385
392
ks
is
ns
ry
BY
zd
'tend sheep'
'dress'
'spend the night'
'warm oneself'
'buy'
'weave'
N-act
ta-ks:a-
m-lsiw-t
m-nsiw-t
m-ryiw-t
m-syiw-t
m-z iw-t
N-agt (m,s)
am-ksa-
am-zda-
The sub-class of verbs with the underlying structure
IIAB6V shows a number of N-act and N-agt which (together with
their stems) are derived from V on the pattern of a corresponding
Arabic noun. Mention should be made of the fact that when a
noun is derived (whether of this sub-class or any other sub-
class) on an Arabic noun pattern, the shape of the Berber noun
is not easily predictable. Examples given below show noun stems
derived from the different classes of V stems that follow an
Arabic pattern:
V
81
95
422
427
hasb
talb
r' u
shu
'count'
'demand'
'hope'
'be healthy'
N-act
1-1sab-
t: aiab ( 1--talab- )
r :za ( l-ria -)
s :aht ( 1-saht- )
184
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tamazight The Verb
440
265
c'fu
wq r
forgive'
'respect'
1-q fu-
l-ug:r-
V
4+00
179
264
bnu
hsm
wk: 1
'build'
'govern'
'appoint as
representative'
N-agt (m,s)
a-bn :ay-
1-hak :m-
1 -u ii -
185
Reference Grammar
Tamnazight
The Verb
Refernce rammrTaazigt Th Ver
VI.4.7 Temporal and Modal Derivation
VI.4.7.1 Introduction
This section discusses the derivation of the different
tenses and modes of the verb in Tamazight. The discussion
includes the following derivations from unaugmented V:
the imperative, the Aorist, the past tense with its different
modes: affirmative, interrogative, negative and negative-
interrogative; the future tense with its two modes:
affirmative and interrogative - "Will" type as well as
the derivation of the past participle and a variant of the
future participle. From VH the following derivations are
discussed: energetic imperative, negative imperative,
interrogative future - Q type, negative future, the
present tense with its different modes: affirmative,
interrogative, negative and negative-interrogative, as
well as the present and future participles.
The derivations referred to above are all achieved by
using V and VH. Moreover, SV, MV or MSV can generate most
of the structures that a V does and SVH, MVH or MSVH can
generate most of the structures that a VH does. Fewer
structures are generated from the passive stem TuV and
its habitual TuVH.
186
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
VI.4.7.2 Derivation of Imperative Structures
Tamazight has different imperative structures that
will be referred to as 2-a, 2-b and 1-a, 1-b, 1-c.
Structures 2-a and 2-b are second person imperatives where
2-b is the negative imperative. 1-a, 1-b and 1-c are
hortatory or cohortative constructions expressing an
exhortation or suggestion for first person. The negative
imperative and the energetic imperative are derived from
VH. The other imperative structures are derived from V.
*
/-PNG/ of the imperatives are all suffixes (see Tables 1 and 2).
Imperative 2-a is derived simply by affixation of
/-PNG/ (suffixes) shown in Table 1 to either V to
derive second person imperative or to VH to derive the
energetic imperative which for /eum/ 'swim' may be
translated as either 'get in the habit of swimming' or
'do swim'. Imperative 2-b is derived by prefixation of the
negative imperative derivational prefix /adur-/
to VH and the realization of imperative /-PNG2/ suffixes
referred to above. Imperative 1-a is derived by the
suffixation of /-PNG1/ set shown in Table 2. Imperatives
1-b and 1-c differ from 1-a both in meaning and in structure.
All the three structures mean 'let us...', except that 1-b
and 1-c have the added feature [+movement]. The difference
* This study r ers to the suffixed PNG of the imperative as
/-PNG/ or /-PNG{ }/ where /-PNG2/ means second person suffixes
and /-PNGV/ is hrtatory suffixes. It will also refer to the
affixed PNG of the different tenses as /PG/
187
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
in structure lies in the fact that /-PNG1/ are added to
the V to derive 1-a, whereas in deriving 1-b they are
added to the V /k:r/ 'get up' and in 1-c /-PNG / are
added to /yal:ah/ a particle meaning 'let us'.
/k:r/ + /-PNG1/
/yal:ah/ + /-PNG1/ are both followed by the
desired V + /-PNG-/ + future prefix /ad-/: e.g. /"um-ay /
'let us (both) swim', /k:r-a ad-n-um/ 'let us (both) go and
swim'[ /ad-n-cum/ (DS) --/an-um/ (SS)]. Another
structural difference is that 1-a does not distinguish
between Gm and Gf in Pd whereas 1-b and 1-c do.
Imperative structures with the movable affixes /-d-/
of proximity, /-n:-/ of remoteness and the pronominal
affixes occur with the affix post-Imperative
[-Negative]
and in the order: Imper[-Negative]+ (I.obj.) + (D.Obj.) +
(orientational affix) or pre-Imperative[+Negative] and in
the order: Neg, Imper. Prefix + (I.Obj.) + (D.Obj.) +
(orientational affix) + Imperative.
Causative and Reciprocal Imperatives are derived in the
same way the imperatives of a V and its VH are derived;
Causative and reciprocal imperative structures with the
movable affixes are also derived in the same way referred
to in the previous paragraph. Not all imperative constructions
with the movable affixes occur with the derived verb
stems (Caus. and Recip.).
188
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tamazight The Verb
Rules for the Generation of the Different Imperative
Structures (from V and VH)
Imper-DSR1 Imperative ---+V + /-PNG2
Imper-DSR2 Energetic Imper. > VH + /-PNG2
Imper-DSR3 Negative Imper.+/adur-/ + VH + /-PNG2
Imper-DSR4 Hortatory > V + /-PNG/
Imper-DSR5 Hortatory[ +Movement]
/k:r/
al h/ +/-PNGi/+/ad-/+/-P Ng -/+V
Imper-DSR6
Movable Affix :
V + /-PNG2/+(I.Obj.) + (D.Obj.) + (Orient.Aff.
/adur-'/+(I.Obj.)+(D.Obj.)+(Orient.Aff.)+
VH + /-PNG2
Note on Imper-DSR6: This rule states the position of the
movable affixes in relation to the imperative. (This is
true of all rules concerning Movable Affixes in the following
sections.)
Examples of Imperative structures generated by the above
rules are shown in Tables 7-13 in their (SS) form.
189
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tama z ight The Verb
2-a
2-b
PNG Imperative Energetic Imperative Negative Imperative
2smf Qum t:sungm adurt :sum
2pm sumat t : 'urat aclurt: fiurat
2pf 'umnt t: rumnt adurt : umnt
TABLE 7 - Imperatives 2-a and 2-b of /cbuW (ss)
Hortatory Hortatory [M eet
PNG 1-a 1-b 1-c
1 dm rummy k :ray an sum yal :ah ay anrum
ld~f cumay k:ram annum yal:aham an sum
1pm sumatay k :ratay an Turn ya : ahatay an rum
lpf cuntay k:rntay annum yal~ahantay annum
TABLE 8 - Imperatives 1-a, 1-b, and 1-c of bcum/ (ss)
2-a 2-b
PNG Imperative Energetic Imperative Negative Imperative
2smf awid t: awid adurt :awy
2pm awyad : t :awyad : adurt :awyat
2pf awinda t :awind: adurdt :awint
TABLE 9 - Imperatives 2-a and 2-b /awy/ in combination
with the proximity affix /-d-/ (ss)
190
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Ta ma z 1gb t The Verb
2-a
2-b
NG Imperative Energetic Imperative Negative Imperative
2 sif shudr shu du r adu rshu dur
2pm shudrat sludurat adurs1hudurat
2pf shudrnt s1hudurnt adursliudurnt
TABLE 10 - Imperatives 2-a and 2-b of /shudr/, causative
of /hudr/ (SS )
Hortatory Hortatory
[+Movement]
PNG 1-a 1-b 1-c
1dm shudray~ k:ray anshudr yal: ahay anshiudr
ldf su dray k :ram anishudr yal :aham an shudr
1pm shudratay k :ratay an shu dr ya : ahatay an shudr
lpf siu drnt ay k: rn t a' an shudr 3r.a1: ahn tay an s1 u dr
TABLE 11 - Imperatives 1-a, 1-b, 1-c of /shudr/, causative
of /hudr/ (ss)
2-a. 2-b
PNG Imperative Energetic Imperative Negative Imperative
2 smf m4~awan t :me awar adu rt : mawan
2pm ms'awanat t: meawanat adurt: msawanat
2pf me awann t t :nreawanrit adur t :mnrawann t
TABLE
12 - Imperatives 2-a and~ 2-b of /m'lawn/, reciprocal of
191
Reference Grammar
Tama zfight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tama z ight The Verb
Hortatory
Hortatory[+Movement]
PNG 1-a 1-b 1-c
1dm me awanay k: ray anme awan yal: ahay anme awarn
ldf me awanay k:ram anme awan yal:aham anme awan
1pm me awanatay k:ratay anm awan yal:ahatay anme awan
lpf meawanntay k;rntay anms awan yal:ahntay anme'awan
TABLE 13 - Imperatives 1-a, 1-b, 1-c of
of /cawn/ (ss)
/me awan/, reciprocal
VI.4.7.3 Derivation of the Past Tense and Its Different Modes
The past tense is derived from V by the realization of
/-PNG-/ shown in Table 3. As stated before, /-PNG-/affixes
are the same no matter what the temporal (past, present,
future) structure is. Its different modes are derived by
the modal prefixes discussed in VI.2.2 above. The realization
of /-PNG-/ in the past effects a change in the verb stem of
certain classes. This was discussed in VI.3 and was referred
to as ablaut (Abl) and to the stems as ablauted stems.
Rules for the Derivation of the Different Modes of the
Past Tense: (from V)
Past-DSR1
Past -DSR2
Affirm. Past -* V + /-PNG-/ + (Abl)
Interrog. Past -+/is-/ + Affirm. Past
192
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tamazight The Verb
Past -DSR3
Past -DSR4
Past-DSR5
Neg. Past -v'
Neg . nt . rmi lri rt aa1lir.1i di t : cawan m limi ascii t : awan
TABLE 18 - Structures generated from v /bawn/ and its
VII /t:c'awan/ in the future (55)
Future Future, Prox . Future, I .Ob j. ,
Affix Prox. Affix
Affirm. adiscawn ad: iscawmn adasdisc'awn
Interr. id: adi s'awfl id: ad: isawn id: adasdi s~awn
Neg. uri s cawan urdiis cawani uras di s awan
Neg .Int . milmi ysc awan milrmi cdi sawan milmi asdi svawan
TABLE 19 - Structures generated from the causatives
a) /sc.awn/ and b) /s..awan/ in the future - (ss)
Future Future, Prox . Future, I.Ob j. ,
Affix Prox. Affix
Affirm. adi msawan d : imncawan
Tnterr. id.: achncawanl ' d: ad: imV'awanL
Neg. u ri t :meawan r di me awan
Neg. Int. milmi yt :me aw ' lmi di t :rm~awan
TABLE 20 - Structures generated from the reciprocals
a) /mcawan/ and b) /t:mcawan/ in the future - (55)
Reference Grammar
Tama zight _
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tama ~ight The Verb
I - --T-
Future
Future, Pr ox.
Affix
Future, I.ObJ.,
Prox. Affix
Affirm. adit:ucawn adasdit:ueawn
Interr. id:aditsucawn id:adasdit:usawn
Neg. urit :u awan urasdit:ucawan
Neg.Int. milmi it:ueawan milmi asdit:ueawan
w
TABLE 21
- Structures generated from the passives
a) /t:uiawn/ and b) /t:u'awan/ in the future - (ss)
VI)4.7.5 Derivation of the Present Tense and Its Different Modes
The present tense with its different modes is. derived
from VH (or SVH, MVH, MSVH, TuVH).
Rules for the Generation of the Present Tense (from VH)
Pres-DSR1
Pres-DSR2
Pres -DSR3
Pres-DSR4
Pres -DSR5
Affirm. Pres. --4(da4+ VH + /-PNG-
Interrog. Pres. - /is-/ + Affirm. Pres.
Neg. Pres. - /ur-/ + Affirm. Pres.
Neg-Interrog. Pres.-V/is -/ + Neg. Pres.
Movable Affix- >Pre-Verbal
Examples of present tense structures generated by the
above rules are shown in Tables 22-25. All forms are generated
with -PNsGm- (prefix /i-/). Blank boxes indicate the form
does not occur.
197
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tarnazight The Verb
Present
Pres ., Prox.
Affix
Pres ., I.Obj. ,
Prox. Affix
Affirm.
Interrog
Neg.
Neg. Tnt
-+ 4 1
dayt:taa
I scayt: 'awan
urdayt: "awan
isri~t" rawan
idadit: awan
urdaclit:sawan
i surciadi t : awan
dasclit: 'cawan
isdasdit: 'sawn
urdasdi t : awan
i su rcadi t : cawane
TABLE 22 - Structures generated from /t: c awan/, VH of /c awn/
in the present (SS)
Present Pres. ,Prox . Pres., I.ObJ. ,
Affix Prox. Affix
Affirm. day s cawan dadi s cawan da sdi s cawan
Interrog. i scday s awan i s dadi s cawan i sda sdi s rawan
Neg. urdaysrawan urdadi ssawan urdasdiscawan
Neg. Tnt . i surdayssawan isurdadi scawan i surdasdi s~awan
TABLE 23 - Structures generated from /sc.awan/, SVH of /Aawn/
in the present (SS)
Present Pres., Prox. Pres .,TI.Ob j. ,
________ Affix Prox. Affix
Affirm. dayt:m'awan dadit:mc'awan
Interrog. i sdayt :me awan i sdadi t : mawan
Neg. urd~ayt :m'awan urdadi t : mcawan
Neg. Int. isurdayt:ms~awan isurdadit:mnsawan
TABLE 24 -
Structures generated from /t:mw.awan/, MVH of /Sawn/
in the present (SS)
198
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Refeenc GramarTamaigh TheVer
- r- -
Present
Pres., Prox.
Affix
Pres.,I.Obj.,
Prox. Affix
Affirm. dayt:ueawan dasdit:ucawan
Interrog. isdayt:u awan isdasdit:u awan
Neg. urdayt:u 'awan urdasdit :u eawan
Neg. Int. isurdayt:ueawan isurdasdit:u'awan
TABLE 25 -
Structures generated from /t:ucawan/, TuVH of /aWn/
in the present (SS)
VI.4.7.6 Derivation of the Aorist
The aorist is a dependent tense that does nct occur as
sentence initial. It is formed from V (SV or MV) simply by
the realization of /-PNG-/.
Rules for the Generation of the Aorist (from V):
Aor-DSR1 Aorist - V + /-PNG-/
Aor-DSR2 Movable Affixes - Post-Verbal
Aorist forms are identical with past tense forms of
unablauted stems but differ from those of the ablauted
stems by the ablaut.
Aorists generated by the above rules are shown in
Table 26 for SS forms. All forms are generated with
-P NGm (prefix
199
Reference Grammar
Tama tight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tama zight The Verb
Aorist Aorist, Prox. Affix Aorist, I.Obj., Prox.A ff .
V iqawn i s awn d i s awnasd
SV is awn is awnd isawnasd
MV ime awan ime awan d
TABLE 26 - Aorists of /e awn/, its SV and MV (ss)
VI.4.7.7 Derivation of the Participles
This section discusses the derivation of past, present,
and future participles both affirmative and negative.
The past participle is formed by suffixation of the
participle suffix /-n/ to a derived past in -P3NsGm~'
Prefixation of /ur-/ gives the negative participle. Either
of these two participles is used with subjects of any number
or gender. A plural past participle formed by suffixation of
/-in/ to past in -P3NPGm- is used only with plural (m,f)
subjects.
The present participle is formed by suffixation of
the participle suffix /-n/ to a derived present structure in
-P3NsGm-. Prefixation of /ur-/ gives its negative participle.
The future participle is derived by suffixation of
the participle suffix /-n/ to a VH after the realization
of -P3NsG-. Prefixation of /ur-/ gives its negative
participle. A variant affirmative future participle (which
has no negative) may be derived by suffixation of the
200
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
aRefen yrencev v amN+ Tae ..ht Th Ver
participle suffix /-n/ to a derived aorist in -P3NsGm~.
Rules for
the Generation of the Participles
Part -DSR1
Part -DSR2
Part -DSR3
Part -DSR4
Part -DSR5
Part -DSR6
(Neg) Past Part. . (/ur-/) + Past-P3NSGm_+/-n/
Plural Past Part..--Past + /-n/
VP3NpGm 1
(Neg) Fut. Part.- (/ur-/) + Pres[{P3NsGm- + /-n/
(Neg) Fut .Part . >(/ur -/) + VH + /-n/
[P3NsGm~]
Variant Futt. Part.-+Aor, + /-n/
LM- r3sum j
Movable A ffix Pre-Participle
Participles derived by the above rules for the V 25
/Tawn/ are shown in Tables 27-29 for SS forms.
All participles occur in structures using the relative
pronouns /n:a/ 'who, that' or /ayra/ 'who will, that will':
e.g., /n:a y yawn:/ means 'who helped', /n:a dayt:Kawan:/
means 'who is helping' and /ayra yt:"awan:/ means 'who will
help'.
- '----.----- -
Past. Partic.
Past Part.,
Prox. Affix
Past Part., I.Obj.,
Prox. Affix
___I
- - -
Affirm.
Neg.
Plural
is awn:
uri Fawn:
yawn :in
diisawn:
urdi "awn:
drawn: in
asdisawn:
urasdi "awn:
asdeawn:in
TABLE 27
- Past Participles of
._..._.-
/sawn/ (ss)
201
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reernc GamarTanazihtTh Vr
I - - Y
r
Pres.Part.
Pres.Part.,
Prox. Affix
Pres . Part. , I.Obj .
Prox. Affix
Affirm clayt: ?awan: dadit:,sawan.: fdasdit: ?awan1:
Neg. urdayt : ,aware urdadi t : awan : lurdasdit: ?awan :
TABLE 28 - Present Participles of /t:"'awan/, VII of
Fut. Part. Fut. Part., Fut. Part.,I.Obj.,
Prox. Affix Prox. Affix
Affirm. it: awan: dit;"&'wan: asdi : ?awan1:
Neg. uri t : awan : Urdi t : awan : urasdi t : ?awa :
Variant P'awn: diisawrt: ascdi'awn:
Form
TABLE 29
-Future Participles of
/t:9awan/ (SS)
/siawn/ and its Vii
202
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
VI*4,98Summary of DSR's for Temporal, Modal and Participle
Derivations (T/M-P) 11
T/M-P--DSR1 Imperative -- V + /-PNG2/
SST
MV
MSV
T/M-P -DSR2
Energetic Imperative - H +/-N2
LMSVH1J
T/M-P -DSR
3
Neg. Imper. -4/adur-/ +
VII
SVHi
MVII
MSVH
+ /-PNGI/
T/M-P -DSR4
T/M-P -DSR5
Hortatory-4 V
SV
MV
MSV
+
/-PNG1/
[+Mtaoemnt
f/k:r/ ~ + /-PNG1/ + /ad-/ + /-P1N -/ + rV
/yal ah/) S
I"V
MVS
203
Reference Grammar
Tama zight
The Verb
Reference (T V\wira, imar Theor VerbIi '1 i
T/M-P -DSR6
T/M-P -DSRy
T/M-P -DSR8
T,/-P DSR
T/M-P '-DSR1
T/MP -SR9
T/M-P -DSR1
Affirm. Past -4- V + /-PNG-/ + (Abi)
IsV
(MV
MSV
TuV
Interrog. Past- /is-/ + Affirm. Past
Neg. Past -+-/ur-/ + V + /'-PNG-/ + (Abi)
sV
MSV
TuV
Neg-Interrog. Past-.b/is-/ + Neg. Past
Affirm. Fut.---+/ad-/ + V + /-PNG-/
)SV
JMV
MSV
LTuV
Interrog. Rut -.----+l/id:--/ + Affirm. Fut.
Neg .Fut .-,%'ur-/ + r vH 1 +/-N/
204
fPrPnrmmr
Temaziaht
The Verb
P J. L (L~ TU4. flltur. T. %The Verb. -
T/M-P -DSR13
T/M-P -DSRk
Interrog. Fiit.,- Qw +
Affirm. Pres. -.-,{/da-/~
+ /.-PNG-/
+\ + .~ -
T/M-P-DSR15
T/M-P -DSR16
T/M-P -DSR1
T/M-P -DSR18
T/M-P -DSR1
T/M-P -DSR2
Interrog. Pres.-.T4/is-/ + Affirm. Pres.
Neg. Present -.--}/ur / + Affirm. Pres.
Neg-Interr. Pres.3~/is-/ + u- + AfIfirm.Pres.
Aorist ---- V + /-PNG-/
sV
MV
MSV
Past Part. --} (/ur-/) + Past -n
Pa PN G # /-in/ Plural
Present Part..-+(/ur-/) + Pres[ ~]+ /-n/
205
Reference Grammar
Tarnazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Terna z~ight The Verb
T/M-P -DSR21
Fut. Part. -4{ (/ur-/) + SVHtPNG]_
Aor ±3s~- +/n
+ /-n/
Affirm.J
T/M-P -DSR
22
Movable Af fix -- Post-Verbal / [ -Temporal,
Modal prefix
or preposition
Pre-Verbal / [ +Temp/Mod pref .
or prep.]
Pre-Participle
206
Reference Grammar
Tsemazi gh t
The Verb
Reference Grammar Terna~,iight The Verb
VI.5 Morphophonemic Sketch
VIT5.1 Introduction
The morphophonemic changes which occur in the dialect
under consideration, mainly in verb derivations, may be
divided into six classes: voicing assimilation, reduction, hiatus,
and change of vowel to glide: (V - G).
This section states the morphophonemic changes in
*
phonemic symbols (in VI.5.2) and then (in VL5.3) gives examples
of these changes using verbs from the Verb List and the
end of this chapter. Phonemic symbols are written between
slashes / /; hyphen /-/ represents morpheme boundary; /#
word boundary.
VI.5,2 General Rules of Tamazight Verb Morphophonemics
The following rules apply to /-PNG-/ inflection and
combination of verb with temporal and modal prefixes. These
rules are referred to as General Surface Structure Rules
(Gen-SSR's) since they affect the shape of any verbal
derivation in contexts specified in the examples given in VI.5.3.
*
For a more elaborate description of verb morphophonemics
see Abdel-Massih, Ernest, Tamazight Verb Structure: A
Generative Approach, Indiana University Press: Bloomington,
Indiana, 1971.
207
Reference Grammar
-Tama i gh t
The Verb
Sequence Voicing Flatness Articulatory Reduction
Assimilation Assimilation Assimilation
Gen- SSR1
Gen- SSR2
Gen- SSR3
Gen- SSR4
Gen- SSR
Gen- SSR6
Gen- S SR7
Gen-SSR8
Gen-SSR9
Gen- SSR10
Gen- S SR11
Gen- SSR12
Gen- SSR13
Gen- S SR14
Gen- SSR15
Gen- SSR16
Gen- SSR17
Gen- SSR18
Gen- SSR19
Gen- SSB2Q
Gen- S2
Gen- SSB22
Gen- SSR23
Gen- SSB24
/t-/ . dd
/ -/dd _ _ _ _ _dd
t
/d-d/ ~cd
/t-t:/
/t 0-t/.
. d:"
/r-t/ >xt
{ n-n-v-I)
/r-n#I
/d-k/
/d-n/
/s-s/
-a t
-~rr - > r
-4mm - > m:
-~kk - * k :
kk .~ k:
-al.
ss
40
S:
208
Reference Grammar
Tama7ight
The Verb
Refeenc GramarThmaigh TheVer
Assimilation Assimilation Assimilation
/s-z/ Z
Gen- SSR25
Gen- S2
Gen- SSR27
Gen-.SSR28
Gen- SSR29
Gen- SSR3Q
Gen- SSR31
Gen- SSR32
Gen- SSR33
Gen- SSR34
Gen-SSR35
Gen- SSR36
Gen- SSR37
Gen- SSR38
Gen- SSR39
Gen- SSRkO
Gen- SSRt4l
Gen- SSR42
Gen- SSR243
Gen- SSR4
/-t/ st
-* z:
. _. .
Zz
st
Sequence Hiatus
/i-i/.-ftiyi
/i-a/ - iya
/u-s/ uya
lu-il > uyi
V---G
Reduction
/u-u/. uyu
/a/a/-
/#i-a/
/#i -u/
-- jab I!L
->ya
~ya
~ay
209
Reference Grammar
VI,5.3 Examples
Rule 1
129 /t-
129 /t-
251 /t-
251 /i
Tameanight
The Verb
.,
db:r-d/--/d:b:rd/
-db :r/ 3/d: b: r/
-Sm:t-d/- /tsm:d:/
-sm: t-d/- /im: d: /
'you (s) managed'
'she managed'
'you (s) cheated'
'he cheated'
Rule 2
138 /t-dr:e/ /r: /
136 /td1:d/- /d:1:ed/
2 51 /ad-t-nm:t/->/at: Em: t/
2 51 /ad-t-sm: t-nt/-->/at ; m: tnt
'she screamed'
'you (s) flattened bread'
'she will cheat'
/ 'you (fp) will cheat'
Rule 3
Rule 4
Rule 5
300 /i-c'rd-t/ ) /iert:/
300 /i-e'rd-t:/------/irt:/
238 /t-sfd-d/- /tsfd:/
197 /i-nsd-d/ y/insd: /
the invited him'
the invited hert
'you (s) wiped'
'he blew his noset
( + prox.)
Rule 6
*
A numeral preceding an example refers to the number of the
simple verb stem in the Verb List from which the form is
derived (see Verb List, pp. 262-282).
210
Reference Grammar
Tame light
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tame 7ip2>t The Verb
Rule 7
4~6
113
/da-t-t: um-d/-/dat: umd/
/da-tt: awan/-4/dat:sawan/
'you (s) swim
' she helps
Rule 8
88 /da-t:-t-t;sacad/-_/dat:t~sacad/ t'she helps her t
Rule 9
378 /da-t-t-ks:a-d/ /dat:ks:ad/ 'you tend it (mY)'
Rule 10
113 /add1awr>...-./ad: awny/
'he helped' (+ proximity)
'I'll help' (+ proximity)
'she folded'
'you (s) embroidered'
Rule 11
261
262
/t-tf/ /t:f s /
/t-trz-d/ /t;rzd/
Rule 12
104 /zayd-y-t/ /zaydxt/
'I added it'
Rule 13
341
15~7
If f : q: /'I went out't
/da-t:fr:aT-/ --./dat~fr:aq:/ 'I am pouring'
211
Reference Grammar
Tamca ight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Terna~A ~ht The Verb
Rule 14
113
113
113
/4awn-n/ y --- >/"awn:/
/e'awn-nt/- >.-/ Qawnn t /
/awn-n-in/---* /s'awn:in/
/tY 'r:mm/ -> /tyr:m:/
/t-yr :m-m-t / /tyra mmt/
'they (m) helped'
'they (f) helped'
plural participle of
/ awn /
'you (mp) indemnified'
tyou (mp) indemnified'
Rule 15
311
311
Rule 16
Rule 17
450 /ur-riy/ > /ur:iy/
296 /emr-/ > e:r:/
296 /c'm~r-nt/ >/em:rnt/
63 /slil-n/. >/slil:/
63 /slil..nt/ >/silnt/
'I do not want'
'they (m) filled'
'they (f) filled'
'they (m) rinsed'
'they (f) rinsed'
Rule 18
Rule 19
375
279
/ad-t-gn-m/, ,/at:gm:/
/t-z--/ ,/txznmnt/
'you (mp) will sleep'
'you (mp) stored it'
212
Reference Grammar
Tama light
The Verb
Reference Grammar Thrne 7ight The Verb
Rule 20
3 7 /adi-kn-i-sal/--* /ak;nisal/
'he will ask you (mns)
'he will ask you (nip)t
Rule 21
Rule 22
37
200
200
/sdid/ 'be thin'I
/isslinnA->;/is :1: mm./
'we will ask'
'we will hide
IT will hide't
sv /s-sdid/-..-/s:did/
'did they (in) greet?'
Rule 23
62
232
Rule 24.I
65~
/smid/ 'be cold' SV /5-mid/-../S~id/
/is'-sy:f-n/-.--/is:y:fn/ 'did they harvest the
summer crops?'
Rule 25
1.38 /ru/ 'happen' SV/-ru ;u
289 /is.-br-n/.-./iz:br:/ 'did they (mn) come back?'
213
Reference Grammar
TAmA 7.igrh t
The Verb
ReferenceI Grammar 4The V h
Rule 26
42 8
18
/is-k:a-n/ -../i:k:an/ 'did they (in) doubt?'
/zwu/ 'dry' sv /s-zwU/ ~/Z :wL/
/is-zawg:-n/-_-~/iz:awg:n/ 'did they (mn) ask
protection? t
Rule 27
L436
103
Rule 28
106 /is-zawd-n/----- /iZ:awdrt/
' did they (in) throw away?'t
Rule 29
132
113
113
/is-dl~-n/----/izd1ln/ 'did they (mn) massage?'
/is--i-~'avn/---/izdi'awn/ 'did he help?' (+ prox.)
/is-da-t: sawan-n/-..../izdat: 'vawan; / 'are they (in)
helping?'
Rule 30
Rule 31
Rule 32
325 /i-az-t/----/yumst/
280 /t-.zdm-d/-..-> /dzdmd/
heforbade him'
'he took it (in)'
'you (s) collected wood'
2114
Reference Grammar
Tama. tight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Thins 7ight The Verb
Rule 33
2 89 /t~rc/----4/d~brd./
'you (s) came back'
Rules 3)4-.39
/i-i/ W49
/u-a/ 102
/u-i/431
/u-u/ 3 6L
18
113
113
Rules 4o0-43
362
/iniyi/'tell met
/ini'as.---- inias/ 'tell him'
/d~uyt/ t o (nip)'
/ru-i/-- >---- /sryi/ 'rent (for) met
/it:uus:a/- /it:uyuis:a/ 'it was tied'
/k:aat/e./k~at/ 'doubt (rnp)'
/da-as-i-t: qawvan/-+/dasit: "awan/ 'he helps him'
/da-ay-i-t: sal/-- /da'4t: sal! 'he asks us'
/i -azum/-.j /yazum/
'he fasted'
'he was nice'
'he found'
Rule 44
89 /t-sacbf-td/._-/tsa'ftsid/
8 /89 /t-sa f-ay-d/f---/tsa~fayd/
tshe was patient with
you (s)' (+ prox. )
'she was patient with
him' (+ prox. )
'she was patient with
us' (+ prox.)
215
*
Reference Gramma r
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tema z I gh t The Verb
Notes on the Verb in Ayt Seghrouchen (A.S.)
Only differences from Ayt Ayache (A.A.) grammar are
discussed here.
These are /d:/ and /n:/ in A.S., e.g.,
/rah/
/i- rah-d:/
/i-rah-n:/
to go
he came
he went there
2
3
In A.S. the present tense prefix is only /l:a-/, e.g.,
/l:a-i-t tum:/ he is swimming
In A.S. the progressive or inchoative prefix is /al-/, e.g.,
/al-i-.t:um:/ he started to swim
In A.S. this morpheme is /is--/ which is the Interrogative
oarticle. In most cases in future construction /is-/ is
followed by /-d-/, a particle of emphasis, e.g.,
/is-d-ad-i- um:/
will he swim?
The particle is /is-/ but it precedes a verb stem in the
Habitual form without a present tense prefix; e.g.,
/is-i-t : rum: /
is he swimming? does
he swim?
6 In A.S. there are two negative iarticles:
(a) /ur-/ before V, SV, ... in the past and before VH in the
formation of the future negative and (b) /ul:i-/ before VH,
SVH, ... (present); e.g.,
216
Re-'er. ence Grammar
Tamaztight
The Verb
Pe'erence Grammar Tama %ight Tine Verb
/i-r um:/
/ur-i-s um:/
/1 :a-i-t: : um:/
/ul :i-i-t :s um:/
/adis urn:/
/urit : urn: /
-PNG Imoer. Suffix
2sm -0
2sf .4
2om -m
2pf -nt
TABLE 1 - Second Person
Imperative Suffixes (A.S.).
he swam
he did not swim
he is swimming
he is not swimming
he will swim
he will not swim
7
-PNG Irner. Suffix
1dm -ax
ldf -ntax
lnm -max
lof -ntax
TABLE 2 - Hortatory Suffixes
(A.S.).
8
-PNG- Inflectional Affix
s x
2s t t
3sm i
3sf t
lp n
2pm t m
2pf t nt
3pm n
3pf nt
TABLE 3 - Ayt Seghrouchen
-PNG- Affixes
217
Reference Grammar
Tarnazight The Verb
Ablaut in Ayt Seghrouchen may be summed up as follows:
i. Unablauted stems: show no ablaut (neither in affirmative
not negative) and are represented by the verb stems /um:/
'to swim' of the structure IIAVCII , /bars/ 'to congratulate'
of the structure IIAVCDII , /bd:/ 'to stand up' of the
structure |AB:1| , /d7:/ 'to let', /f:u/ 'to dawn', and
/bdu/ 'to divide' of the structure LABVII. For conjugations
see Table #4 -11 (A.S.).
ii. Ablauted Stems:
(a) 0:0 ablaut are stems which have no ablaut in Affirmative
vast but have /i/ ablaut in the negative. This is represented
by /frh/ 'to be happy' /bry/'to grind' (see Table 16 (A.S.)
for changes in /-y#/ of this tyre), /qr:r/ 'to decide',
/bndq/ 'to bow'. /1:gym:/ 'to twist' and /7: / 'to dismiss'
of the structure f|A(:)B(:)(C)(D)U . For conjugations see
Tables#12 - 23 (A.S.),
(b) i/a ablaut for members of the IIABa#I| structure
represented here by /bda/ 'to start'. This groun has /i/
ab'aut for first and second person singular and /a/ for the
rest of the PNG paradigm. This is the only group that is
ablauted in the future. For conjugations see Tables #24 - 27
(A.S.).
(c) i/u ablaut occurs with verbs as/ii/ 'to do', /k:/ 'to pass'
/ls/ ' to shear' of the structure IIA(:) | or |hAB| . /i/ occurs
with PNG: is, 2s, 2om, f and 3pm,f. /u/ occurs with PNG:
3m,f and 1D. For conjugations see Tables #28 - 31 (A.S.).
(d) a - u ablaut refers to change of a to u, e.g., /adf/
'to enter' or /dial:/ 'to swear' of the structure |NBdlor
h(A)BaDht . For conjugations see Tables #32 - 35 (A.S.).
218
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
(e) a - i ablaut refers to change of a to i for on'y
two verbs, namely /awd/ to reach',, /awy / ' to take away'
See conjugations in Tables #36 - 39 (A.s.).
219
Reference Grammar
Tomazight The Verb
Refeenc GramarTemaigh TheVer
-PNG- Affirm. Neg. Interr. ?ieg. Interr.
is cum; Urcum;x iscumsx i surcum:x
3sf tcum: t urtcum: t i stc'um: ti surtc'um:t
3fl i um: u rni um: i s i um: i su rnisum :
2pm tcum:m urtc'um: i stcum:m i surtsum:m
2pf tcum~nt urtcum:nt ist'um:nt isurtc'um~nt
3pm sum: n urcum: n i scum:n i surcum~n
3pf sums nt urcums nt i scum: nt i surcum;nt
TABLE 4 (A. S.) -
/-PNG-/ oaradigms for unablauted /sum::/ 'to swim'
in the past.
-PNG- Affirm. Neg. Interr. Neg. Interr.
i s acdsum: x u rt: sum ;x i sad ;cum; x i su rt: sum: x
2sm atd: um: t urt : um; t i sadi:'um: t i surit:cum:t
3sm at;cum: urt: ue; i sa3cum: i surt zum;
2pm at : rum; urt :cum: i sat :sum= i surt : um:m
2pf at: sum; nt urt: sum; nt i sat : um: nt i surt: sum: nt
3pm adsum: n ur t: sum;n i sadcum: n i surt :cumf: n
3pf adcum:nt urt: sum:nt isadfium:nt isurt; cum,:nt
TABLE 5 (A.S.) - /-PNG- / aradigms for unab1lauted kcumn:/ f to swim f
in the future.
220
Reference Grammar
Ta rna z i gh t The Verb
-PNG- Af firm, Neg. Interrog. Neg.Interr.
is 1: at:c'um~x ui: it: 'umzX ist; sum:X isu1: it:g~um:x
3sf 1: at:sum: ui: it: sum; ist: sum: isui: it: sung:
2pm 1; at: sum: m u1: i t: gum: m iet:tum: m i 5Ul:i t: rum: m
3pm isat;vumznt u1:it:cum~nt ist:sum:nt isui:it;sum:fl
TABLE 6 (A. S.) / -PNG- / paradigms for unablauted '4um f/in the
n resent .
2s sum: t : um: adurt :rum:
2pm rum; m t :sum: m adurt: sum: m
2s f' um: nt t: Tumn:nt adurt : rin: nt
TABLE 7 (A. S.)- Imperative structures for unabiauted Aum:'
221
Reference Grammar
Tarna zight
The Verb
-PNG- Affirm. Neg. Tnterrog. Neg .Interr.
is bd:x urbd:x isbd;x isurbdl~x
2s tbd: t urtbd; t i stbd :t isurtbd:t
3sm ibd: flribd: i sibd; isuribd:
3sf tbd: urtbd: i stbd: isurtbd:
ip nbd.: urribd: i snbd3 isurnbd:
2pm tbcl:m urtbd:m istbd~m isurtbd:m
2pf tbd~rnt urtbd.:nt ustbd:rit isurtbd~nt
3pm bcl:n urbd:n isbd~n isurbd:n
3pf bd.1nt urbd:nt isbd:rit isurbd~nt
TABLE 8 (A. S.) / -PNG- / paradigms for unab-Lauted /bd:'/
ft-) stand u& tin the vast.
-PNG- Affirm. Neg. Interrog. Neg. Interr,
is adbd:x urt:bid: idx isadbd:x i surt :bid: idx
2s at:bd.:t iurt:bid: its isatbd:t isurt:bid: it:
3sm adibd: urit:bid: id isadibd: isurit:bid: id
3sf at:bd: urt:bid: id isadtbd: isurt:bid: id
ip an: bd: urnt :bid: id isadnbd : i surnt: bid: id
2pm at:bd.:m urt:bid:idm isadtbd:rn isurt:bid: idm
2pf at:bd:nt urt:bid:idnt isadtbd:nt isurt:bid: idnt
3pm adbd:n urt:bid:idn isadbd :n i surt :bid.:idni
3pf adbd:nt urt:bid:idn isadbd:nt isurt:bid: idnt
TABLE 9 (A.S.)-
/-PNG- / paradigmns f ,rrlnablauted /bd: /
' ti stand uo' in the future.
222
Reference Grammar
Tama tight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tama zight The Verb
-PNG- Affirm. Neg. Interrog. Neg. nterr.
is i:at:bid: idx ui; it:bid: idx ist~bid: idx isui: it:bid: idx
2s I:at:bid: it: u1:it:bidi:it: ist~bid: it: isui: it:bid: it :
3sm 1: ayt:bid: id ui: iyt:bidi:idl isit~bid: id isul: iyt:bid: id
3sf 1:at:bid: id ui:it:bid.:id ist:bid:id isui:it:bid; id
ip i:ant:bid: id ui:int:bid: id i5Tt:bid: id isu1: ift:bid: id
2pm 1:at:bid: idm ui:it:bid: idm 15t:bid: idm. isui: it:bid: idm
3pm i:at:bid~idnt ui:it:bid: idnt ist:bid:idnt isui:it:bid: idnt
3pf i:at:bid, idnt ui: it:bid: idnt ist:bidsbicnt isu1: it:bid:jdlt
TABLE 10 (AS,)- /-PNG-/ paredcgms for unablauted /bd:/
,to stand up' in the present
-PNG# Imper. Energetic Irner. Neg. TImner.
2pm bd:m t:bidl:idm adurt:bid: idm
2pf bd:nt t:bid ;idnt adut~bids.idnt
TABLE U. (A.S.) -
rIvn'erative structures for unablauted /bd:/
t t stand up'.
223
Refer. ence Grammar
Tema eight
The Verb
-PNG- Affirm. Neg. Interrog. Neg. Tnterr.
is f 1luc urfrihx i sfr.x i surfrihx
3m urifrih isifrh isurifrih
3pf tf rj urtfrih i stf i surtfjih
ip nfxl un:f'i1h isnfrh isun~frih
2pm tfrlm urtfrihm i stf ram i surtf' 'ihm
2pf tf r4nt urtf rihnt i stf rnt i sur tfrihnt
3pm fxhn urfrihn isf'rhn i surfrihn
3pf foxnt urf ji15.nt i sfrhnt i surf rihnt
TABLE 12 (A. S.) - /--PNG-J paradigmns for /frh/ 'to .be happy,"
of the 0:0 ablaut in the past
-PNG- Affirm. Neg. Interrog. Neg. Interr.
is adfrhx u~fx1tx isadfrx isurfr:hx
2s at~frht urtfr~ht isat:frYit isurth'r~ht
3sm adifrlQ urifr;h ieadifrh isurifs1
3sf at~frh urtfr~h isat; frh isurtfr~h
ip an~frh urnfr'&1 isan~frh isurnfr':Y.
2pm at~frhri urtfr:Ihm isat:frhm isurtfr:1hm
2pf at ;fj 1hnt urtf' :lint i sat ;f rhnt i surtf r;it
3pm adfxln urfr':hn i sadfrhn isurf';1hn
3pf adfrhmt urfrlirt i saclfrhnt i surfr ;ant
TABLE 13 (A.S.)
- /-PNG-/ paradigms for /frh/ 'to be happy'
in the futureso
224
Reference Grammar
Tama light
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tame TIght The Verb
TABLE 14 (A. S.) /-PNG-/ p~aradigms for ,/j'rh/ 'to be happ~y'
In the preset
2ffhtf':1nt adurfr:hnt
TABLE 15 (A.S.) Imperative structures fcr ablauted /frh/
'to be happy'.
225
Reference Grammar
Tama tight
The Verb
-PNG- ;,Affirm. Neg. Interrog. Neg. Interr.
is brix urbrix isbrix isurbrix
2sm tbrit urtbrit istbrit isurtbrit
2sibry u rib riy i sib ry i sur:ibri y
3sf' tbriy urtbriy istbry isurtbriy
ID nbry urnbriy isnbry isurnbriy
2om tbrirn urtbrim istbrim isurtbrim
2of tbrint urtbrint istbrint isurtbrint
3pm brin urbriyn isbrin isurbrin
3pf brint urbriy-nt isbrint isurbrint
TABLE i6 (A. S.) - /-PNG-/ for /Ibry/ 'to grind' of the (,,*:O
ablaut in t he past d
-PNG-~ Affirm. Neg. Interrog. Neg. Interr.
is adbrix urbr:ix isadbrix isurbr:ix
2s at:brit urtbr:it idat:brit isurtbr:it
3dm adibriy uribr:y isadibry isuribr:i
3sf at:bry urtbr:y isat:bry isurtbr:i
ip an:bry urnbr:y isan :bry isurnbr: i
2Drn at:brim urtbr:im isat:brim isurtbr:im
2of at:brint urtbr:int isat:brint isurtbr:int
3pmn adbrin urbr:in isatdbrin isurbr: in
3pf adbrint urbr:int isadbrint isurbr: int
TABLE 17 (A.S.)
/-PNG-./ paradigms for
in the future.
/bry/ 'to grind'
226
Reference Grammar
Tama tight
The Verb
-PNG- Affirm. Neg. Interrog. Neg. Interr.
is 1:abr:ix ul :ibr:ix isbr:ix isul:ibr:ix
2s 1:atbr:it u1:itbr:it isibr:it isul:itbr:it
ism 1:aybr:y ul1:iybr:y isibr:y isuli:iybr:y
3sf i:atbr:y uI:itbr:y istbr:y isui:itbr:y
l :anbr:y ut :ibr:ix isnbr: i. isul :inbr:im
2pm 1_:atbr:im ul:itbr:it istbr:im isul:itbr:iri
2' 1 :atbr:int ui_:itbr:iy istbr:int isul :itbr:int
TABLE i8 (A.S.) -
!-PNG--./ Paradigms for
the present.
/bry./ 'to grind' in
-PNG# Imper. Energetic Imnper. Neg.Tmoer..
2s bry br:y adurbr:y
20m brim br:im adurbr:irn
2pf brint br:int adurbr:int
TABLE 19 (A.S.) - Piperative structures for /bry/ ' to gritnd' ,
227
Reference Grammar
Tama 7,igh t
The Verb
-PNG- A 'fire. Neg. Inters. Neg. Interrn
is z urz;i'x isz: rX isurz: P'x
3sm iz~r uriz:is iiz:c i5uriZ:JAs
2pm tt : m urtz :ism i stZ : cm i surtz :ism
3pm as urz: icn isz: 'n isurz: 1cn
TABLE 2r) (A.S.)
/-PNG-/ tDaradl.gms for /z:c'/ ' to chase'
1:0) ajb.aut in the past,'
o f the
-PNG- A firm. Neg. Interr, Neg. Interr.
is at:z~x urt:zcx istz~ctisurtzi'tx
3sm ai uritz 1zcsur1z:i
3sf a urt:;:c isti~sc isurtz:i"
ip a :T urnt:z: c is :cisurnz: is
2pm at: z: cmn urt :; cm i stz : c isurtz :ism
3pm adz :,m urt :z : cn i stz ; n i1sur : i rn
3pf adz : cnt urt :z : cnt i sz ; nt i surz : i nt
TABLE 27- (A. S.) -
/-PNG-1/t aradigans for
fuLur-e.
/s:/ 'to chase' in the
228
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Ternazight The Verb
TABLE 22 (A. S.) - /--PNG-/ pa radigms fo r /z ? to chase'
in the present.
*-PNG# Imper. Energetic Imnoer. NaIg. PIper.
2s Z ;sadurt:;
2pm z: cm t:z:ri adurt:z:yin
TABLE 23 (A.S.) -Irnerative structures for 'z:c./ 't-) chase'?.
229
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
ipsbdx unbdi isbdx isurbdix
2pm tbdim urtbditn istbdit isurtbdirn
3sf tbdant urtbdint istbdantisurtbdit
3om tbdant urtbdint istbdant isurtbdint
3pf bdant urbdint isbdant isurbdint
TABLE 24 (A.S.)
-'-PNG-/ paradigm~s for 1bda /
the i/a ablaut in the oa st .
'to begin'
of
TABLE 25 (A.S.)
-./-PNG-/ paradigms for :/bda./ 'to begin' of the
i/a (only tyoe ablauted) in the future.
230
Reference Grammar
Tama7iht
The Verb
-PNG- Affirm, Neg. Interr. Neg. Interr.
is 1:abd:ix ul.:ibd:ix isbd:ix isui:ibd:ix
2s l:atbd:it ul:itbd:it istbd:it isui:itbd:it
ism li:aybd:a ul:iybd:a isibd:a isui:iybd:a
3s f i:atbd :a ui :itbd :a i stbd :a i sub : itbd: a
In l:anbd:a ui:inbd:a isnbd:a isui:inbd:a
2Dm i:atbd:am ui:itbd:am istbd:am isui:itbd:am
2nf li:atbd:ant ui :itbd:ant istbd:ant isui :itbd:anit
3rm i:abd :an uli:ibd : an isbd :an i sui :ibdl: an
3pf 1:abd:ant ul:ibd:ant isbd:ant isui:ibd:ant
TABLE 26 (A. S.) - /-PNG~-/ Daradigrns for /bdla/ 'tc begin' in
the present.
TABLE 27 (A. S.) - Tmperative structures of /bda/ ' to begin' .
231
Reference Grammar
Tema z, i g h t
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tema zight The Verb
-PNG- Affirm. Neg. Interr. Neg. Interr.
is dlix urdlix isdlix isurdlix
2s tdlit urd:lit isd:lit isurd:1.it
3sm idlu uridli isidlu isuridli
3sf tdlu urdOli isd:lu isurd:' i
ip ndlu urndii isndl' i sur ndli
2pm d:lim urd:iim isd: 1.ir isurd:limn
2pf d:lint urd:lint isd:lint isurd:lint
3Tm duin ardlin isdlin isur dlin
3e f dlint urdlint i sdlin t i surdi int
TABLE 28 (A.S.) / -PNG- / oaradigms for ./dl/ 'to cover' of
the i/u ablaut in the nit st .
-N- Affirm. Neg. Interr. Neg. Interr.
is ad:lx urd:aix isad:lx isurd:alx
2s at:dlt urtd:alt isat:dlt isurtd:alt
3sm adidi urid:el isadidi isurid:el
3sf at:dl urtd:al iset:dl isurtd:al
In an:dl urnd:al isan:dl isurnd:a..
20m at:dlm urtd:alm isat:dlm isurtd:alrn
2ivf at:dlnt urtd:alnt isat:dint isurtd:alnt
3pm ad:ln urd:aln isad:In isurd:ain
3pf ad:lnt urd:alnt isad:int isurd:alnt
TABLE 29 (A.S.)
/-PNG-/ paradigms for /d1/
the 'utu re.
'to cover' in
232
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
-PNG"- Affirm. Neg, Interr. Neg. Inteirr.
Is 1:ad:elx ui:id:aix isd:alx~ isul:id:alx
ismn i:ayd:al ui:iyd:ai isid:al isul:iyd:ai
3sf i:atd:ai ui:itd:al istd:al isul:itd:al
1lo ) :and:al ul :irid:al isnd:ai isui *ind:ei
2om i :atd:alm ul :itd:aim istd:aim isui :itd:a m
2Df i:atd:aint ul:itd:eint istd:aint isul:itd:alnt
3tom l:ad:aln ul :id:aln isd:aln isui :id:aIln
3of i:ad:aint uliId:alnt isd:alnt isul:id:aint
TABLE 30 (A. S.) - /-PNG-./ paradigrms for /dl/ ' to cover' In
th-re etPNG# Iiper. Energetic Imi ner. Neg. Imper
2s di d:ai adu-rd:a1!
2vm dim d : airm du rd :aim
2of dint d:alnt adurd:eint
TABLE 31 (A.S.) - Itperative structures for /dl/ ' to cover' .
233
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
-PNG- Affirm. Neg. Interr. Neg. Interr.
1sudfx uru~dfx isudfx isurudfx
2s tudft urtudft istudft isurtudft
3sm yudf uryudf isyudf isuryudf
3sf tudf u rtudf i stud-f i su.rtudf
Innudf' un:udf isnudf isun:udf
27om tudfm u rtudfrnm istudfm i su rtudfm
2pf tudfnt urtudfnt istudfnt isurtudfnt
37pm udfn urudfn isudfn isurudfn
3pf udfnt urudfnt isudfnt isurudfnt
TABLE 32 (A.S.) f-PNG-./ paradigms for /adf/ 'to enter' of
the a - u ablaut in the o~ast .
-PNG- Affirm. Neg. Interr. Neg. Interr.
is adadfx urt:adfx isadadfx isurt :adfx
2s at :eadt u rt :adit i sat :adft i surt :eadft
3smn adyadf urit:adf isadyadf i sur:t:adf
3sf at:adf urt:adf isat:aedf ~ isurt:adf
in an:adf urnt:adf~ isan:adf isurnt:adf'
2Dm at:adfm urt:adfmn isat:adfm isurt:adfm
2pf at:adfnt urt:adfnt isat :edfnt isurt:adfnt
3nm adadfn urt:adfn isadedfn isurt :adfn
3pf adadfrit ur t :adfnt isadedfnt isurt:adfnt
TABLE 33 (A.S.)
/.-PNG-./ paradigms for /adf / ' to enter? in
the future,
234
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tamazight The Verb
-PNG- Affirm. Neg. Interr. Neg. Interr.
is 1:at:adfx uil:i t:adfx i st :adf~x i sui: it: adf x
2s i:at:adft ui:i t:adft ist:adft isul :it:adft
ism i :ayt:adf ui :iyt:adf isit:adf isui:iyt:adf~
3sf i :at :adf ul :it :adf ist:adf' isul:t:af
2pm 1:at:adfm ul:it:adf'm ist:adfm isui:it:adfm
2of i:at:adfnt ul:it:adfnt ist:edfCnt isui:it:adfnt
3oam 1:at:adfn ul:it:adfn ist:adfn isui :i.t:adfn
TABLE 34 (A.S.)
!- PNG-/I oa re digm s for
the present.
.adf / ' to enter' i n
-PNG# Irnoer. Energetic Irper. Neg. Imper.
2s d t:adf adurt:adf
2 adfrtl t :adf'm adu rt :adfm
2pf a adfnt t:adfnt adurt:adtnt
TABLE 35 (A.S.) - Imperative structures for /adf/ ' t enter' .
235
Reference Grammar
Tama light
The Verb
Reference Grammar Terna 7ight The Verb
-PNG- Affirm. Neg. Interr, Neg. Interr.
i s iwd1x u riwc~x i siwdx i su riwdx
2s tiwt: urtiwt: istiwt: isurtiwt:
3smri yiwd uryiwd tsyiwd isuryiwd
3sf tiwc urtiw . istiwc isurtiwt
it0 niwd urniwd isniwd isurniwd
2rm tiwdrnt urtiwdnt istiw~nt isurtiwrnt
3Dm iwln uriwdn i siwdn i su riwdn
3n f iwdnt u riwdnt i siwdnt i su ±*An t
TABLE 36 (A.S.) /-PNG ,./ Da radigrns of /awd./ Ito reach.' of
the a - i ablaut in the east,
-PNG- Affirm. Neg. Interr. Neg. Interr.
is a daw~x urt : awlx i s d-awdJx i su rt :wx
2s at:awt: urt:awt: ~set: awV: isurt:ewt:
3sm adyawd uri t : awc isadyewd i surit : aw
3sf at:aw-d urt:awd isat:awd isurt:awd
1a an : awQ urnt :awd i san :awd i su rnt :awd
2rn at :awc~m urt :awdA I sa t :awcm i surt :eawdm
2p f a t :awlnt u rt :aw~nt isa t :awdrit i su rt :awdn t
3pm adawdn u rt :awdn isadawdn isu.tit : ewcn
3n f adawdnt u rt :awnnt i sa dawdnt i surt :awdn t
TABLE 37 (A.S.) -
/-PNG-/ paradigms of /awd/
future.
'to reach' in the
236
Reference Grammar.
Tarnazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tarna zight The Verb
-N Affirm. Neg. Interr. Neg. Interr.
i s : a t :awdx ul: i t :awdx i st :awdx i su l:it :awdx
2s !:at oawt: ul:it:awt: ist:awt: ;isui:it:awt:
0 0" .ad l:it:w st:w su lt;w
3sf i:at:awd ul:it:awd ist:awdl isui; it:awd
19 i :ant :awd ul :int :awd i snt 'isiin~w
2pm i:at:awlrti ul :it:awdA ist:awiA isuI:it:awd&
3pni i:at:awdn ui:it:awdn ist~awdln isui:i t:awdn
TABLE 38 (A. S.) - PNG-,/ rnaradig'rs for /a W4± v Cea c in
the present.
2s ad tawdadurt :awdt
TABLE 39 (A. S.) - Imperative paradigms of /awd/ ' to reach'?.
237
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
10 Stem derivations in Ayt Seghrouchen differ slightly in their
realization from those in Ayt Ayache. (See Sample Acnendix B.)
11 Rules for Temporal Modal and Participle derivat'ons in A.S.
are identical with those of A.A. except for the difference
in Temp-Mod Affixes mentioned in #2 - 6 above.
Differences in Verb Morphophonemics are here listed for A.S.:
Rule 5 /d-t:/ * dt:
/isard-t:./ i rdt:
he invited her
Rule 10
Rule 13
Rule 17
Rule 18
Rule 19
Rule 20
/-d-d#/ -
/-d-d-/ )
/i-war d-d/ )"
/ad-d- awn- /
/- y-x#/ )
/f:Y-x/ -
/r-n#/ ')
/l-n#/ -
/s:li-n/ )
/-n-m#/ -
/ad-t-in-m/ >
/d-g/ )-
/ad-E-i-sal )
dd:
d:
iwar dd:
ad:' awny
he came (+ proximity)
I'11 helo (+ proximity )
I went out
/rn#/
c m:rn
/- In#
s:liln
/-nm#
at:.nm
/:/
ai:isal
they (m) filled
they (m) rinsed
he will ask you (ns)
238
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reernc Gama.T=aihtTh Vr
Rule 22
Rule 25
/ad-n-sal---.--- an: sal we will ask
/-s--) /-S7_ /
/S- -.u/ /S VU1 sV of / rU/
Similarly, 26. 27
/s ! is
/S- Z / 'S 7/
239
Reference Grammar
Tameright
The Verb
Verb Sample Appendices and List
Introduction to Annendix A (from Ayt Ayache)
Appendix A contains 77 unaugmented verb stems and
their derivatives arranged alphabetically according to the
class or sub-class to which V belongs (see Chapter 4 for
classification of verb stems). The alphabetical order for
classes and sub-classes both in the Appendix and the verb list is:
a b b: d d: d d: f f: g g: g g: h h h: i k k: kk:
1 1: 1 1: m m: n n: q q: q q: r r: r r: s s: s s:
E : t t: t t: u w w: x x: x y y: z z: z z: z z:
A Y Y: Y
Each of the numbers 1-77 in Appendix A and 1-450 in the
verb list refers to an unaugmented verb stem and its derivatives.
The 450 verb stems represent the verbs of the corpus of
the research on the Ayt Ayache dialect. As they appear in
the verb list, they are grouped into two types: A - unablauted
(1-115), B - ablauted (116-450). Each type has two classes,
A and B, which in turn are grouped into sub-classes with an
Arabic numeral preceding each sub-class. At the beginning of
each class in the Appendix appears the general underlying structure
of its sub-classes; at the beginning of each sub-class appear
the maximum possibilities for its underlying structure with an
illustrative example or examples used to name the sub-class: e.g.,
in the Appendix Class I of type A appears as
Unablauted
1. A(B)(C)a
2. AVC
3. ABVC
and sub-class I appears as
1. Aa fa
AB(C)a Ek:a, itka
AVCa dawa, fuk: a
240
Reference Grammar
Tama zight
The Verb
Sometimes more examples are shown listed in the Appendix.
There are two major sets for any listing (V and its
derivatives) in the Appendix. One set is that of unaugmented
forms, the other of augmented forms. A maximum of five
listings a) to e) appears, in most cases, for each set.
For the unaugmented set:
a) lists V followed by an English translation as
infinitive without 'to'. Next to the meaning the
symbol 'ar' means Arabic loan, 'ma' Moroccan
Arabic loan; no symbol means native or Tamazight.
Finally "t" means transitive, "i" intransitive, "nt
(i.e. neutral) both transitive and intransitive.
b) lists the habitual form of the simple stem VH
c) lists a noun of action derived from the simple stem:
N-act. Parenthesis show a plural if it exists: e.g.
5 c) afuk:a (ifuk:atn)*; or a plural suffix
9 c) s:wal (-at)
d) lists a noun of agent. If no further information
follows, this means that the noun under consideration
is a "Sound" masculine singular (ms) noun which
follows a regular pattern in deriving a masculine
plural (mp), a feminine singular (fs) and a feminine
plural (fp): e.g. 22 d) /amkaf/ 'fortune-teller' (ms)
derives: /imkaifn/ (mp), /tamkasft/ (fs), /tirnkafin/
(fp). If the derivations do not follow the above
pattern, they are listed with plurals (or plural
prefixes) in parenthesis: e.g.
This information is, of course, debatable. However, the
author's native knowledge of Arabic, the discussion of these
verb stems and their derivatives with the informant and the
consultation of various dictionaries, such as Wehr's and
Harrell's lead the author to the conclusions shown in this
Appendix.
**
Numbers refer to the place of V in Appendix A.
241
Reference Grammar
Tamaz ight
The Verb
36 d) bulhim:am (id-)
m:lhm:m (ist-)
Some nouns are followed by *f which means that mp
is a possible derivation whereas fs and fp are not:
e.g. 28 d) abr:ah ; *f
e) lists a noun (ms or fs) followed by (instr.) if it
is a noun of instrument, (loc.) if it is a noun of
place, or (occup.) if it is a noun of occupation:
e .g.
36 e) lhm:am (loc.)
46 e) lebra (instr.)
Plurals appear in parenthesis if they exist.
Augmented stems appear in this order: Causative, Reciprocal,
and Passive. The maximum number of forms that any augmented
stem can show is three a) to c) where
a) lists causative SV, reciprocal MV, passive TuV which
are all derived from unaugmented V
b) lists habitual forms of causative SVH, of reciprocal
MVH, of passive TuVH.
c) lists a N-act derived from the causative SV or
the reciprocal MV (rather then from V): e.g.
25 c) amnwawan
a) and b) of the recipro-causative forms appear partly
in the causative and partly in the reciprocal columns. These are:
a) MSV
b) MSVH
e.g. 4 a) msfafa
b) t:msfafa
Appendix A is compiled on the basis of derivation and
242
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
occurrence. That is, V is the starting formative from
which the other forms are derived by rules of generative
grammar.
The justification of the horizontal order,
a) V SV MSV MV TuV
is based on derivation of all augmented forms from V.
Note that some MSV's can occur without corresponding SV's
which shows they are derived from V'ts: e.g.
43 a) msl:am
b) t:msl:am
The order SV MSV MV is justified by the derivation of
MSV from SV. The Passive is the form with the
least occurrence and the one the least used even when it
occurs. The informant said that it is preferrable to use
the active rather than the passive as much as possible.
Its main occurrence is with the third person, however it may
occur with other persons. Sometimes a passive is derived
from SV; e.g. 33 TuSV (t:usfrh); for these reasons, the
passive form is put last.
The justification of the vertical order is that all
forms on lines b) and c) are derived from a). Forms on line d)
are derived (in many instances) from c): e.g.
29 a) bs:r
b) t:bs:ar
c) ab6:r
d) ab§:ar
Frequency of occurrence is also an important factor (see footnote).
For percentages of occurrence, see Abdel-Massih, Ernest,
Tamazight Verb Structure: A Generative Approach, University
of- an-sa:B1oomngon,19 a;---Tai-e 9. ohal number of the
unaugmented verb stems (450) comprises the 100% shown in the
table; the other percentages listed are based on the total
number of the unaugmented verb stems (450 - 100%). The
percentage of SV is 35.11, MV 31.11, MSV 13.55, TuV 31.77,
N-act 78.22, N-agt 19.33 and N-instr, loc, occup 3.33.
243
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
The system shown in Appendix A is an open system. Thus,
for example, 20 /Iadr/ 'be present' has /shadr/ - SV,
/shaldar/ - SVH whereas 78 /kasf/ ' foretell' has no causative
stems. The causative of /kaef/ is left blank, however,
if a native speaker of Tamazight supplies a causative
for this stem it will be one that the generative rules
for causative derivation have stated in VI.4..3. The same is
true for other derivations.
Throughout the Appendix transitivity is marked only
for V and VH. SV's (and SVH's) are necessarily transitive
whether or not the underlying V is transitive. TuV' s are
mainly derived from transitive V's; however, TuV' s (and
TuVH's) are intransitive and have as their subject the direct
object of V's.
All the above information applies to Appendix B (from
Ayt Seghrouchen ), except that Appendix B is not followed by a
Verb List as is Appendix A.
244
Reference Grammar
Tama:z fight
The Verb
ReeeceGamaaazih TeVr
Verb Sample Appendix A (Ayt Ayache)
A. UnablTaut ed
1.
i. 2.
3.
I A(B)(C)a II
II AVC II
II ABVD II
C a l
1AVCa 11
'sk: a
dawa
~stka
fuk:a
Unaugmented Augmented _____
Causative1 Reciprocal JPassive
1
2
3
a)
b)
'c)
a)
b)
c)
a)
b)
dawa t cur et
t: dawa
adawa (idawatn)
dr :a 'do harm'
d:arar (Id-)
ar t
sdawa
sdawa
ar t
t :udawa
t : udawa
t:udr':a
t :tdr a
fa
t: fa
I yawn't
1
sf'a
sf a
245
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight The Verb
afafa 'wake ups
b)t:fafa
i
a) fuk~a 'undo, get ar t
someone
out of'
trouble'
s faf a
sfafa
a) msfaf a
b) t:msfafa
sfuk: a
sfuk: a
a) msfuk: a
b) t:msfuk:a
cask: a
t:msk; a
6
7
b)
c)
a)
b)
c)
a)
b)
c)
t fuk: a
afuk~a (ifuk:atn)
sk~a 'doubt'
s" k:a
ar i
t:Us~k: a
t :usk: a
t :u s tk8,
t :ustka
s tka 'complain' ar i
t:stka
2 46
Reference Grammar
Tamaz fight
The Verb
RefeenceGramar amazigh TheVer
2. IIAVOII
sal, nib, sum
m
8
9
10
11j
a)
b)
a)
b)
c)
q.:is 'tell
s tori es'
t:q;: is
sal t'ask't
t: sal
s~wal (-at)
ar t
ar t
ar I
a) sib
'become
white-
haired'
b)
c)
a)
b)
c)
di)
t :Msb
s: ib
asiban ; * fp
sum tswim?
t :ru
t aQu mt
a~w: am
m:q: is
t TIXI: is
m; sal
t :msal
sc~um
s sum
a) m: scum *
b) t:m: scum
t :u sal
t :u sal
ar i
I I 1._ _ _ _ _
* 'bathe'
2 47
T~cl n a Vy~Q wmn
Tarnaz ight
The Verb
ne~&~l lC IJ L.L ~adIL La&
3. 11 ABVDI1
xtar, s il, gzul
- I
12
13
14k
a)
b)
a)
b)
la)
b)
c)
a)
b)
c)
a)
b)
c}
a)
b)
a)
b)
an:ay 'see'
t an ay
azum 'fast'
t: azum
t
ar t
16
17
18
gzui 'be short'
t : gZul
tagzi
thi 'e nice'
t: iZii
t ; aZ:l t
cl ii 'rinse'
t:slil
aslil
tsar 'make dirty'
t: tsar
xtar 'choose'
t :xtar
i
t
t
ar t
lw
s: gzui
s : gzul
s:iZil
s: iZi1
s:Xtar
s~xtar
Tr
t
---
nyal: ay
tmyan :ay
t:uyan: ay
t :UYafl ay
t :llslii
t:uslil
t :utsarI
t :uxtar
"
t :uxt8X
.
r
r...
I
L
248
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight The Verb
ii. 11 AVCDII
h~adr, d:irz, hudir
19
20
21
22
23
a)
b)
a)
b)
c)
7
d: iZ 'step back'
t : di ri z
haad~r'be
a present
t :hadar
ahiadr
si: irz
5: iriz
shadr
shadiar
ar i
a) hudr 'bend,
be lows
i
b)
c)
a)
c)
a)
b)
c)
di)
ahucir
kasf 'foretell' ar i
t~kasaf'
aka sf
amkas f
shu dur
t :ukasf
t : uka'saf
safr 'travel'
t: safar
s: fr
amsaf'r
ar i
249
Reference Grammar
Tamazight.
The Verb
Reerne ramr amzigt h Vr
2Lk
b)
c)
d)
a)
b)
c)
di)
zawr 'be
nilghb or!
t : awar
az awr
ad: zar
t : sawan
a rawn
axnc'awnl
ar t
ar n
m awar
t mi awar
sc.awn
s'?awan
me' aware
t: ms awane
am'1 aware
t :uc awn
t : u"awane
I___ 9 -
B. Ablauted
2.
3.
0]
IAB(: )OD 11
IaBO0DlI
I B : ,0D1
frf h frh
, sO - tif~
t Unaugment ed }AugPantiv
26
a) bdr
b) bd: r
tmen tion!
t
s~bdr
s; :brar
t:ubd~r
t :ubdar
250
Reference Grammar
Tama z figh t
The Verb
ReI~erence Grammar Tamaz ight The Verb
27
28
29
30
a) bci: 1 change'
b) t~bci:al
c) abl: 1
ar t
a)
b)
cd)
br: h 'announce' ma j
t:br:ah
ab r :ah ; ;; f
sb d: 1
sbd.;al
a)
b)
sbl: r
sb s:;ar
s:bcl
$ :bc'ac
a)
b)
a) bs:r' 'give good ar i
n ews t
b) t:bs:ar
c) abs;r
di) ab s: ar
mbd : al
t :mbd.:al
msbd: al
t:rnsbd: al
mbs ar
t mb s:ar
msbs ad
t :msbs'ad
t ;ubd :1
t:ubd: al
t:ubs:r
t : ub s:ar
a)
b)
c)
bsd 'be far'
t b s'ad.
ar i
251
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Refeenc Grmma Taaz ghtTheVer
3'1
32
33
a) cihn
b) t:dJ
c) adh~
'rub
ointment'
ar t
m:dhian
t: mf: dh8an
aar
a) fqr 'take
lunch't
ar i I S:fdcr
b)
c)
fd~r
ifdu
s : f dar
a)
b)
ms f dar
t : msf dar
t :udb
t:udhan
t :ufrh
t :ufrah.
t :Usfrh*
t:usfrah
t:ufs:r
t :fl : ar
a) frh. 'be happy' ar i
b) t:frah ^ fr:h
c) afrah
s:fr
'ah
a) mesfrali
b) t:msfrah
a) f's:r ' explain'
b) t~f's;ar
c) afs~r
ar t
:ar
*this passive is derived from the causative rather than
from the unwagmented verb stem
252
Reference Grammar
Tamaz ight
The Verb
RereenceGramar amazigh TheVer
36
37
J
a)
b)
c)
ci)
e)
ahb :as
Thbs (loc.)
ib s 'imprison' ar t
t31hbas
a) tum: m 'b ath e' ar i
b) t:hm:am
c) ahim:m
shin; m
s1 m, am
t ;:uhb s
t :uh'bas
t;uhsin
t euhsam
a) hm
'govern ,
judge't
ar i
b)
c)
di)
t: .am
lhak:mn
(lhk;amn)
138
a) hz~in 'wear a
belt?
ar iI
hZ: am
t :mhlIZ am
b)
c)
d)
t : zam
ahz ;im
Thzam (ici-) (instr'.)
253
PoPorAnnP grammar
Tamaz fiht
The Verb
f. v i t.# C (I sarnnu ? arazi ..he Veb. % ~-- v
39
40o
4~1
4[2
a)
b)
c)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
neb
t n sab
an sab
nsr
nls: r
an sar
'make stew' ma Ji
' saw'
lmnsar (id-')
ar t
(instr.)
art'
art'
,b le
a) rgm
b) rg:m
c) argam
a) sl:k
'insult'
'give a
reasona
price'
m; rgam
t mrgam
a) msl :aka
b) t~msl:ak
msl~am
t ;fsl: am
t :uflst
t :unlsay'
t : utrgm
t:ut'gam
b)
c)
d)
t: sl:ak
asl:k
amisl:k
413 a) sl:m 'greet'
b) t~sl~am
c) slam
* ?betolerant
ar i
25)4
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tarnaz ight The Verb
44
4~5
L.6
)47
a) xiim
b) Xd:rf
c) lxdtt
d) axd:am
a) zdm
b) zd:m
c) azcdam
d) azd: am
a) 'br
tworkI
ar n~
'collect woods t
S :Xdf
s:;Xclam
a) msxdam
b) t:msxciam
mom: ar
t msm: ai
t :uxdm
t: uxdain
t :u sbr
t un~'bar
I measure,
weigh'
ar t
b)
c)
d)
e)
t: tbar
1l'bar
as b: ar ";- f
Jsbra (-t) (iristr.)
a)c'm:r 'fill'
b) t:~'m~ar
c) ac~
ar t
255
Referencerammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Ticf6 y6 nnp (Th uamaT' arazigh Te er
L48
a)
b)
c)
y1: f 'wrap't
t:Tias
ayKL:f
a t
t:uyl: f
t 0uyl :af
2. 11 aBO~1 axnoz a amp
419
a)
b)
a)
b)
a)
b)
c)
agm
t: agm
amni
t : arnn
'bring water
from a well f
t
'believe'
'order'
ar n
ar I
51
ar
t : amnr
lamr (lamxir)
a) amz 'take'
b) t : arn
c) un' 'o~ umz imz
t
iyaman
t myaman
xyamaz
t : yamaz
inya say
t :niya say
t :UYL1IfZ
t : u yUS3T
t:uyasay
a)
b)
c)
asy
t: asy
i sy
'carry'
t
s:asay
256
Refereflce Grammar
Tama2sight
The Verb
Tamaslgkit The Verb__
a) awd
b) t:awd
a) awry
b) t ;aw0y
'reach'
ni
s: iwd
s; awad
s :away
ryawad.
t :myawad
myaway
t ryaway
'take awayt
t
_i
,
3. IOB: 0D 11
O f :0r - : r
b) t:b:y
c) ubuy
a) f :r 'hide' t
b) t~f:r
c) tufra
a) £:y 'go out' i
b) t:fT
c) uf'uy
a) k:r I'get up' i
t myab~ ay
myaf ; ar
t: !Tyaf' :ar
s:ufY
s ;ufuy
Ib)
t:k: r
257
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Rererence Grammar Taniazight The Verb
60
61
a)
b)
a)
b)
Z:y
e"Z
'milk'
'di smi ss
t
myaz :as
t: azyaz
t~tiz:
t:uyaz :as
__ ___ 1.._ __ _ _ _ _
ii 0: i/a
[-iMet] [±Met]
[+diIT]
1.
laB
[-Met]
liaB
[ -Met]J
IlaB
[+Met]
[-Met]
0DIl
[+Met]
aft af
as:Ok a -4a~
ar,0r -Y rare -4rar
I I U
62
63
a)
b)
a)
b)
c)
af
t: af a
'find'
t
myaf a
t:ifyaf a
myas :ka
t: ryas :ka
t :uyffa
t :uy2f a
as:k thelost'
t: as ka
us:ki
i
258
Reference Grammar
Tamaz fight
The Verb
Rererence Grammar Tarnaz ight The Verb
a) rar 'return, n
give back'
b) t:rara
c) tararit:
mrara
t:nn'ara
IIOAB(:)0 1I
[ -Met]
[Met]
Og. g
1s--} is,
g,r gr
Og: 0 g: 0
bd:o _ bd:
66
67
68
a)
b)
c)
a)
b)
a)
b)
c)
a)
b)
c)
bd: ' stand up'l
t:bd:a
ibd:i
g 'be, do'
t. "g. a
gr 'throw away't
g: a
taguiri
g: 'knead'
t: "
tig:it
1
n
t
t
sbd;
sbd; a
myag~a
t:flyag: a
m: gar
t :m: gar
259
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tarnazight The Verb
69
a) k:; 'pass, visit'
b) t:k~a
c) tik:it
s: ik:
s ak: a
a)
b)
msak: a
t :msak: a
70 I a) is
'get dressed' t Is:'s
t :1isa
t :u15a
b)
c)
is :a
rnisiwt
5 ; isa
II OB:Pu II
IA(: )Bf0u 11
3. IIAB:10u1
1iBo0ijI
Od:0u-.d: u
g:r,0uu g:ru
iro0i irn
Smru __s!T
9 Imp- . 0
71
a) cl:u 'go'
b) t:d:u
c) tawacia (tiwacliwin)
i
s :udlu
s u du
260
T? n f"a" on n A aybn mmn r
Tama. z ith t
The Verb
flij ve l Cy c:G ,vl~mal . + +a i .16 A1 h h er LdLbJ~Ls-~JLI.3LI~J
72
73
7L4
b)
d)
g; ru 'be last't
t" g" ru.
1
an g: aru (ing:ura)
tang; anit: (ting:ura)
sg:111L
sg:ru
a) msg: ru*
b) t:msg:ru
S: MU
ss'd:u
ss'd:u
a) simi 'smoke'
b) t ;4sm: u m: u
c) lsmiyt
d) asm:ay ; itf
a) cd:u 'abound'
b) t: sc1:u
ma t
ar i
76
77
a)
b)
a)
b)
a)
b)
c)
ili
t:ili
i
t : ifl i
iri
t:ir'i
t ayri
'exist, bet
1
'say
' want'
t
n
myini
t:myifli
myiri
t :myiri
I._- I
*'agree'
E e__ _ _ ,
261
Reference Grammar Tamazight The Verb
List of Verbs (Ayt Ayache)
A. Unablauted
A. i.l. fa, ek: a, Etka, dawa, fuk: a
1. dawa ?cu r e ' ar t
2. dr:a 'do harm' ar t
3. fa 'yawn' i
-. fafa 'wake upt i
5. fd:a 'finish' ar t
6. fuk:a 'undo, get ar t
someone out
of trouble'
7. hn:a The peaceful' ar i
8. hr:a 'ticklet ma t
9. hada 'touch' t
10. hd:a 'end' ar i
11. hn:a 'pity' ar i
12. hs:a 'cut grass' ar t
13. q:la 'fry' ar t
14. qr:a 'confess' ar i
15. rata 'look att ar t
16. rb:a 'educate' ar t
17. sqsa 'ask' ar t
18. Ek:a 'doubt' ar i
19. Etka ' complain' ar i
20 . Eq: a 'di sturb'i t
262
Reference Grammar Tamazight The Verb
21. wala 'be near' t
22, warya 'dreamt t
23. ws:a 'advise? ar t
24. xs:a 'be necessary' ar i
25. ef:a 'be disgusted' ar t
26. l:a 'ascendt' ar t
27. 'z:a 'console' ar t
28. yr:a 'tempt' ar t
29. ys:a 'cheat' ar t
A, i.2 sal, sib, sum
30. dur 'turn' ar i
31. huf 'jump on' i
32. k:us 'inherit' t
33. lum 'blame' ar t
34. mun taccompany' i
35. n:ay 'fight' i
36. q:is 'tell stories' ar t
37. sal 'ask' ar t
38. sul 'remain' i
39. sus 'shake off' t
40. sud 'blow' t
L1. Ea1 'buy grain' ar t
42. Bib 'become ar i
whit e-haired'
263
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tamazi~ht The Verb
43.0 ~ :ar 'share' t
41. zur 'be fat' j
5. zur 'visit ar t
holy places'
[p6. gum 'swim, ar j.
L47. Yal ' think' i
4.8. yus 'be burnt' i
A.i.3. xtar, slil, gzul
)49. an:ay tseet t
50. arid 'be washed' i
51, azum 'fast' ar t
52. ayul 'go back' i
53. bxin 'be black' i
5~4" drus 'be little i
in quantity'
55~. fsus 'be light' i
56. gzul 'be short'i
57. izil 'be nice' i
5~8, lyly 'be able' i
59. liythe tender' i
60. mziy 'be small' i
61. mytru 'tgrow up' i
62.o sd~id 'be thin't I
264
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight The Verb
64.
65.
66.
67.
68,
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
sin
smid
0 a*
Edin
tsar
wray
wsir
xtar
zwar
zwiY
Yz if
'collect'
'be cold'
'be short'
'make dirty'
the yellow'
'be old'
'choose'
'to precede'
Tbe red?
'be tall'
t
i
i
t
i
i
ar t
t
i
i
A.ii.
hadr, d:irz, hudr
74.
75,.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80,
81.
82.
d:irz
d:uk:1
d:iqs
hadr
hafd
harz
har s
hash
hawl
'step back'
Imake friends'
'burst outt
'be present' ar
'keep' ar
'forbid'
'prevent' ar
'count' ar
'take one's ma
time doing
something'
'bend,
be low'
i
t
i
i
i
t
t
t
i
i
83. hudr
265
Reference Grammar
Tama z fight
The Verb
Reference iAmmrTaa gh heVr
8L4.
85:.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.m
93.
94b.
95:.
kas f
qabi
saf r
sami
sal 'd
sas'f
s :U di
s:uf s
s :1k: f
s: urf
sawr
taib
96. waif
'foretell' ar i
'tk care of' t
'travel' ar i
'forgive' ar i
'help' ar t
'be patient' ma t
'kiss' t
'spit' n
'uproot' t
'stride over' t
'consult' ar t
'demand, ar t
apply'
'get ar t
accustomed'
t'an swert ar n
'inform' ar t
'risk' ar I
'quarrel' ar i
tbe old' I
'differ' ar i
'ask ma I
protection'
'add' ar t
'winnfow' t
'throw away' t
97.
98.
99.
100.
101.
102.
103.
1lot.
105.
106.
107.
wazb
xabr
xadr
xasm
xatr
xil f
z awg:
z ayd
zuz : r
zawd
266
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tarnaz i~ht The Verb
108.
109.
110.
111.
112.
113.
11i.
115.
zahd
zawb
Zawr
gad~r
' awd
sawn
cayd
yawl
'compete with' ma
'answer' ar
Tbe neighbor' ar
'meet'
'repeat' ar
'help' ar
Igo back' ar
'hurry up'
t
n
t
i
n
n
i
i
B. Ablauted
B.i.1.
frh, fsar
116.
117.
118.
119.
120.
121.
122.
123.
bdr
bd:1
bh:t
bl:y
bry
br:h
br:m
bi:r
'mention'
'change' ar
'investigate' ar
'deliver' ar
'grind'
'announce' ma
'turn' ar
'give good ar
news'
'burn incense, ar
do harm'
The wet, proud'
The far' ar
t
t
t
t
t
i
t
i
i
i
i
124. bx:r
125.
126.
bzy
bid
267
Tamazfight
R =foA rncePrammar
The Verb
Ternaz eght The Verb
127. brd
128. dby
129. db:r
130. dhn
131. dh
132. dl
133. dw:x
134. dhr
135. dlm
136. d1:
137. dmn
138. dr:v
139. def
140. dn
141. dys
142. fdi
143. fdr
144. fhm
1L45 fl1
146. fly
147. fl:h
148. frd
14.9. frh
thate' ar i
'dye' ar t
'manage' ar i
'rub ar t
ointment'
'faint, ar i
become dizzy'
'massage' ar t
'become ar t
dizzy'
'appear' ar i
'oppress' ar t
'flatten bread' t
'guarantee' ar t
'scream' i
'be weak' ar i
'stab' ar t
'lie down' t
'reveal a ar t
secret'
'take lunch' ar i
'understandt ar t
'succeed' ar i
'tear' t
'to live on ar i
agriculturet
tsweep' t
'be happy' ar i
268
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
ReeeneGama TmzitTeVr
150. frs 'attack' ar t
151. fry 'build a t
fence'
152. fry the crooked' ar i
153. fr:d 'change ar t
money'
154. fr;n 'weed' t
155. fr z 'clarify' ar t
156. fr z'look at' ar i
157. fr:y 'pour' ar i
158. fr 'break open' t
159. fsd 'be spoiled' ar i
160. fsr 'spread' t
161. fsy 'meltt t
162. fs:r 'explain' ar t
163. ftl 'roll' ar t
164. gmr 'hunt' i
16$. gz~r 'butcher't ar t
166, hbl 'become ar i
silly'
167. hdm 'demolish' ar t
168. hw:l 'trouble' ar t
169. him 'attack' ar i
170. hbs 'imprison' ar t
171. hl:q 'dress up' ma t
172. hl:s 'saddle' t
173. himl 'flood' ma i
269
Reference Grammar
Z'a ma z i ght
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight The Verb
174. hm: m
175. hr:f
176. hr:5
177. hrm
178. hr's
179. him
180. hE:m
181. hz :m
182. kmz
183, krz
184. l b
185. mdy
186. mgr
187. mry
188. ndm
189. ndr
190. ndl
191. nfd
192. nfh
193. nq:1
194. nq:r
195. fnl:Z
196. nsb
'bathe' ar i
'carry' t
'shake, move ar t
something'
tbe ar i
forbidden'
'be sharp' ar i
'govern, ar i
judge'
the polite' ar i
t wear a belt' ar i
t scratch t
'plough' t
'play' ar t
'set a trap' t
'harv est' t
'rub' t
'regret' ar i
tmoant i
'bury' t
t thr ow'ar t
'sniff ar t
tobacco'
'transplant' ar t
'shake off' ar t
' jump' ma i
imake stewt ma i
270
P P r n n (inoammar
Tamazight
The Verb
J. IIJL CLI V G j V4iiii iLArf .+,W..wv.+ .".
197. nsd
198.
199.
200.
201.
202.
203.
20L4.
205.
206.
207.
208.
209.
210.
211.
212.
213.
nsr
ntf
ntl
nzl
nzy
nm
nir
nil
qdr
ql:b
41:q
qr:b
gr:E
q sh
'blow onets
nose
'saw'
'depilate'
thide't
tspur'
'pull'
'escapet
tsharpent
'curset
the able'
'register
a marriage'
'check'
the worried'
'be near'
'decide'
'bite'
'be solid,
strong'
'intend,
go toward'
'gamble'
Ssucceed,
gain'
'demolish'
'loan'
t
ar t
ar t
i
t
ar t
ar i
ar t
ar t
ar i
ar i
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
ma
t
i
i
i
t
i
214. qsd
215.
216.
217.
218.
qm: r
rbh
ar t
ar i
ar t
ar t
t
rdm
rdl
271
Reference Grammar
Tamazfight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Taraaz ight The Verb
219.
220.
221.
222.
223.
224,.
225.
226.
227.
rgl
rgm
rh i
rhm
"
rkm
rkz
rzm
rzn
rzm
228. r'b
229.
230.
sb:b
sh: r
'close,lockt
'insult'
tmove'
'have
mercy ont
'boil'
'treadt
'opten
'be patient'
'throw
stones at'
The amazed
at'
'trade'
'perform
magic'
'give a
reasonable
price'
'greet'
'lean
against'
'peel, have
diarrhea'
'liberate'
'filter'
'be patient,
wait't
twipet
'nail'
ar i
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
t
t
i
t
i
t
i
t
ma
ar
i
i
231. slak
ar t
232.
233.
s1:m
sn: d
ar
ar
i
i
23L#. srm
t
235.
236.
237.
238.
239.
sr:h
sty
sbr
sfd
sm: r
ar t
t
ar i
t
ar t
272
RPfPrencerammar
Tama z i ght
The Verb
11 G J.nG.L V./ 1mmvaV TaInaz ight The a Verb
240. srf 'spend money' ar t
241. sr:f' 'change ar t
mon ey'
242. srd 'swallow' t
243. sxd 'tcu r se tar I
244. sY:d 'hunt' ar t
245. sY:f 'harvest ar 5.
summer crops'
246. sb: r 'cling to'i
247. Sf : 'steal' ma t
248. sk: m 'denounc e't ma .
249.0 1kr 'praise' ar t
250. sm: l 'finish' ar t
2 1. sm: t 'cheat' t
2 2. snf 'roast' t
2 3. snc' tbe ma i
prevalent'
2 4. srf 'tie' t
2550 srm 'shrivel up't i
256. srd 'comb, ar t
stipulate'
257. s rh ' envy ' ar t
2 8. sty 'recall' t
2 9. stnhtdan ce't ma 5i
260. stab 'sweep' ma t
261. tfs 'fold' t
2627 .4..O" -.'embroider' art..... t
273
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference ..(..raLmar a aa64mu L.sha The -Verb
263.
264.
265.
266.
267.
268.
269.
270.
271.
272.
273.
274.
275.
whi
wk:1
wn:r
ws:x
wx:r
wzn
wid
wer
xdm
xde
x1: s
xmi
xm:m
'get tired'
'appoint as z
repres entativ
'respect'
'make dirty'
tgo back'
'weight
'be ready'
The hard'
'work'
'deceive'
tpay fort
'smell badt
'think,
worryt
'harvest
fall crops'
'fail, be
spoilt'
'steal'
'store,hide't
'collect wood'
'sink'
'dwell'
'misst
'hurry'
'teave,pass't
ar
ar
e1
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
ma
ar
ma
i
t
t
t
i
t
i
i
n
t
t
i
i
t
276. xr:f
277, xsr
ar i
278.
279.
280.
281.
282.
283.
284.
285.
XW: f
xzn
zdm
z dr
z dy
z gl
z rb
zry
ar
ar
t
t
t
i
t
t
i
t
274
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight The Verb
286. zre
287. ZW:4
288. z f
289. zbr
290. zhd
291. rh
292. bd
293. fbr
294. dl
295. 'd:b
296. em:r
297. enq
298. kQ:d
299. 4:1
300. vrd
301. qrm
302. es: s
303. q
304. vt:r
305. yly
306. ymln
307. yms1fl
'color'
'get mad'
'come back'
The strong'
'injure'
'worship,
adore'
'measure,
weight
'repairt
'torture'
'fill
'try hard
without
success'
'tie, start
a fire'
'remember'
'invite'
'know of
something'
'guard'
'love'
the late'
'pass overt
'become
rotten'
scover'
ar t
ar t
ma i
ar i
ar i
ar t
ar t
ar t
ar t
ar t
ar t
ma t
ar t
ar t
t
i
ar n
ar t
ar i
i
ma i
i
275
Reference Grammar
Tamaz ight
The Verb
Reerne rmmrTaavih TeVrbA
308. yns tweart t
309. yr 'stretch leg' t
310. 'rf tto flatten t
breadt
311. Yrm 'indemnify' ar t
312, yrs 'slaughter' i
313. yry 'abort' i
314. yfr 'forgive' ar t
315. y1:f 'wrap' ar t
B.1.2. amp
316. adr 'bury' i
317. afd 'be sent'i
318. agi 'hang' t
319. agm 'bring water t
from a well'
320. akz 'recognize' t
321. aly 'climb' t
322. amn 'believe' ar n
323. amr 'order' ar i
32.. ams 'paint' t
325. amaz 'take' t
326. anf 'open' t
327. arf 'pop popcorn' t
328. arm 'taste't
276
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
ReferenceGrammar amaz igh The Ver
329. arw 'give birth' t
330. asy 'carry' t
331. air 'steal' t
332. a y 'be aware' i
333, awd. 'reach' n
334.. awl ' get married' t
335. awy 'take away' t
336. azn 'send' t
337. azd 'stretch hand' t
3.i.3. f:r
338. b:y 'cut' t
339. d:d 'suckle' t
340. f:r 'hide' t
3)41. f:y 'go out'
3L2. g:d 'be frightened' i
343. g:z 'descend' t
e
344. k:r 'get upt
3)45 k:s 'take out' t
346. 1:m 'spin' t
347. 1:Y 'lick' t
348. m:y 'get wet' i
34V9. n:d 'stickt i
350. q.:d 'burn' t
277
Reference grammar
TA.mZ
The Verb
I li . %.L Aw . mL rma r rpf.37. fic. ".J6n ht hesVer
351.
352.v
353.
354.
355.
356.v
357.
358.o
359.
360.
q:l
q~n
q.:s
t:1
t:r
tf
z:r
Z:Y
' wait'
' shu t'
'prick'
'roll'
'ask't
'keep'
'depilate'
'il ks
'di smi ss'
'recover from
an illness'
i
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
B. ii.1.
af., as:k, rar
3b1.
362.
363.
364.
365.
366.
367.
368.
369.
act
af
ar
as;
ask
az :1
g: al:
lal
rar
'let't
'find'
'be empty,empty'
'tie,bind'
'be lost'
'frun'
'swear'
'be born't
'return,
give back'
'pray' ar
t
t
1
i
t
370. z:$?:
278
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
Referene Grammr Tarnz vght he Ver
B.ii.2. g, g:, is, bd:, gr
371. bd: 'stand upt i
372. fz: 'chew' t
373. g 'be,do' n
374. gm 'grow' i
375. gn 'sleep' i
376. gr ' throw awayt t
377. g: 'knead' t
378. ks 'tend sheep t
or cattle'
379. k: 'pass,visitt t
380. is get dressed' t
381, ne 'spend the i
night'
382. nz the for sale' i
383. ny 'kill' t
381. rz 'break't t
385. ry 'warm oneself' i
386 sl: 'hear' i
387. sy 'buy' t
388. 'give' i
389. El 'spend a day' i
390. ts 'laugh' i
391. z 'lose' t
392. Vt 'grind'tt
279
Reference Grammar
Taman ight
The Verb
Refrece ramarTanazi~t Te er
393.
394"
395;.
396.
397.
zd
yr
A(z
'weave?
Tbe dear'
'r eadi,
call outs
'dijgs
'c run ch't
t
ar i
n
t
t
B. ii.3
d:u, g: ru, bdu, sd:u, ini
398.
399.
400.
4.01.
4.02.
4.03.
4.05;.
4.06.
x.07.
L408.
4.09.
1410.
bdu
bdu
bnu
d:u
fru
f tu
f:u
gnu
g~ru
hdu
'begin'
' cut5s shar e'
'builid'
'pray for ,
prosecute'
' go't
'pay debts't
'dictate'
dawn'
sew'
'be last'
'give a
pr es5en t
'watch over'
'be ,become
dull'
'be nice'
ar t
t
ar t
ar i
1
t
ar t
1
t
1
ar t
t
ma I
ar I
hdu
hfu
4.11. hlu
280
Reference Grammar
Tamaz ight
The Verb
RefreceGrmr amz ghvTe er
412. rui
413. hr;u
44. k:u
415. inmu
416. qdu
417 qwu
418. rdu
419. rsu
420. r u
421. rzu
422. rzu
423. r:u
424. sxu
425. s:u
426. sfu
427. shu
428. Edu
429. Emu
430. snu
431. sru
432. swa
433. xlu
434. xwu
The hot ar i
weather'
The hot ar i
(food)'
'cut grass' t
?eraser ar t
'accomplish' ar t
the fatt ar i
'bless' ar i
'be quiet' ar i
The dirty' ma i
'look for' t
'hope' ar t
twin' t
the ar i
generous'
'make the bed' t
The clean, ar i
clear'
'be healthy' ar i
'smell' t
'smoke' ma t
'kneel' ar i
'rent' ar t
'be sharp' i
'ruin' ar n
tbe empty' ar n
281
Reference Grammar
The Verb
4 Lpf'pirpnr'. .+.(~aruM-%46r' The Verb " "
435. X:U 'be mean'
436o zwu bhe dry' at' i
438. zru 'happen' at' i
439. "d:u Iaboundt at' i
44+0. "fu 'forgive' at' i
4141. c'miiT'e blind' at' n
4±2, mnu 'undergo' art'
443. qsu 'disobey' ar t
444. ybu 'be deep' i
L445. ylu Tbe at' i
expensive'
446 . yrai 'paint' t
447. +(-tu 'be rich' at' i
448. ii 'exist, be1 I
449. ii'say' t
450, ini 'want' n
282
Reference Grammar
Z'dmaz Ight
The Verb
RefeenceGramar amazi~h TheVer
Verb Sample Appendix B (Ayt Seghrouchen )
__________ Augmented ____
UagetdCausative Reciprocal Passive~
1
2
3
4~
a)
b)
c)
d)
a)
b)
a)
b)
c)
a)
b)
b)
c)
saf r
t : saofar
s:frt
amnsaf r
sal
t: sal
'travel' ar i
task'
ar n
m: sal
t :m: sal
msamah
t:msamah
t :u5Bal
t :usal,
sami 'fc
t :samah
inu samaha
s awms 'aw
t: s await
trim t
t:trzam
atrzm
orgive' ar i
sk for ar t
he price'
ran slate
ar t
s: tm
283
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
The Verb
ReLerence Grammar Tamaz ight The Verb
6
8
9
10
11
12
13
a)
b)
a)
b)
c)
d)
a)
b)
a)
b)
a)
b)
a)
b)
c)
a)
b)
c)
a)
b)
t:u
t:t:u
wzcJd
t:tizid
muzud
'f'orget'
tbe
ready'
ar i
zrb s
t:xrbas
t:z :s
Zn
dzan
r'fu
~ma
t:irma
1 cma
yba
t~iyba
'scratch' ar i
' chase'
t
s: t :u
s: t:u
s:uid
s:uzid
s :xrbs
s :xrba~s
8; Zn
5: Z8X
s: yba
s: Tba
t :waz:s
t~wazc
' sleep
i
'forgive' ar i
'be blind ar nl
or blind'
' lie deep' at i
in: ~m
284
Reference Grammar
2'amazight
The Verb
Refernce rammr Taazigt Th.Ver
a) 'flfl t dye t t
b) fin;
a) YZ: 'crunch' t
b) t:Yz:
t:uTZ a
2 85
Sentences
This section lists examples of the different structures of
Tamazight. The examples consist of 157 pairs of sentences.
When a certain structure or sub-structure is discussed, it is
usually followed by one or more pairs of sentences to exemplify
the occurrence of such structure. The first member of each
pair of sentences is from Ayt Ayache, the second from
Ayt Seghrouchen.
Reference Grammar
Tamazfight
Sentences
Sentences
Introduction
The discussion of sentences in Tamazight includes
A. The Verbless Sentence
B. The Verbal Sentence.
Each of these two types of structure can have any of the
following modes:
1. Affirmative
2. Interrogative
3. Negative
4. Negative-Interrogative
The structures mentioned above (A.1 - A.4 and B.1 - B.4)
as well as Imperative structures which are grouped under C,
will be found in the following examples. The examples include
157 pairs of sentences from the two dialects (i.e. 157 from
Ayt Ayache and 157 from Ayt Seghrouchen). When examples of
a certain structure or sub-structure are cited, usually one
or more pairs of sentences follow a short discussion. The
first sentence in each given pair is in the dialect of Ayt
Ayache, the second is in the Ayt Seghrouchen dialect.
A.1 Verbless: Affirmative
Examples of such sentences are:
1. (A.A.) isminw muha
(A.S.) isminw muha
My name is Mohamed.
287
Reference Gramma r
Tama zfight
Sentences
2. (A.A.) l m inw tlatin am .
(A.S.) lemrinw tlatin cam .
I am 30 years old.
A Verbless Affirmative structure may occur with /yur/ A.A. or
/yr/ A.S. 'particle of possession.' Examples:
3. (A.A.) yurs yut trbat:.
(A.S.) yrs ist ntrbat:
He has a girl.
4. (A.A.) Yuri rbea ntfunasin
(A.S.) Yri rba ntfunasin
I have four cows.
or structures having the 'presentational particles' /ha/, /han/
A.A., /ha/, /han:/ A.S. Examples:
5. (A.A.) ha n3ena .
(A.S.) ha n:ena .
Here is the mint.
6. (A.A.) han atayn .
(A.S.) han3 at:ayn: .
Here is your tea.
X88
Reference Grammar Tamazight Sentences
or with the help of /d/, 'particle of assertion.' Examples:
7. (A.A.) muha dargaz nimru wahd
(A.S.) muha da.ryaz n:imirwahd
Mohamed is in fact an excellent man.
8. (A.A.) lhusayn dargaz
(A.S.) lhusayn daryaz
Lahoucine is indeed a man.
or as a greeting or a response to a greeting. Examples:
9. (A.A.) s~alamuelikaum .
(A.S.) ssalamnu lik:um
Hello. (to a man by a man)
10. (A.A.) sbah lxir amuha
(A.S.) sbah lxir amuha
Good morning, Mohamed.
A.2 Verbless: Interrogative
Such sentences may occur in structures similar to the
above with an interrogative tome to them. Examples:
(A.S.) lwasun labas ?
How is the family?
289
Reference Grammar Tamazight Sentences
12. (A.A.) yurs sba isir:an ?
(A.S.) yrs sba l:waiun ?
Does he have seven children?
13. (A.A.) fig: dmi ?
(A.S.o) waksd 5k:?
You (as) and who else?
or with the interrogative particle /is/ before such structures
as the following:
14. (A.A.) is yure sal lwaun ?
(A.S.) is yrrg Eal lwasun ?
Do you have children?
They also occur with question words. Examples:
15. (A.A.) misai ?
(A.S.) mismn:E
What is your name (ms) ?
16. (AAo. Ehal ylmns ?
(A.S.) mshal ilemrn:E
How old are you (ms) ?
290
Reference Grammar Tamaz ight Sentences
How much is this djellaba?
i8. (A.A.) mani naiha ?
(A. S.) men i ha ?
Where is Mohamed?
A.3 Verbiess: Negative
These structures occur with /ur.-/ 'negative particle' in
AAz and A .S. or /urd:./ 'it's not i l A.A. and A.S. E xamples:
19. (A.A.) urytiri iflus
(A.S.) uryri iflus
I have no money.
20. (A A .) uri d: am: wa
(A.S.) ulid: am wiu
It is not like this (ins).
21. (A.A.) urid: hm~u
(A. S.) ulid: hm2:u
291
Reference Grammar Tamazight Sentences
22. (A.A.) urid; nt:a
(A.S.) ulid: nt: a.
It's not him.
23. (A.A.) urid: Eg:.
(A.S.) ulid: Ek:
It's not you.
A.4 Verbless: Negative - Interrogative
Such structures are achieved with the use of /isur-/
Negative - Interrogative particle in both dialects. Examples:
24. (A.A.) isur yurs iflus ?
(A.S.) is uryrs lflus ?
Doesn't he have money?
25. (A.A.) isurid3 hsuma yif ?
(A.S. ) isulid: hiuma xs ?
Aren't you (ms) ashamed?
26. (A.A.) isurid: nt a ?
(A.S.) isulid: ntaa ?
Isn't that he?
292
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Sentences
Reference Grammar Tainaz ight Sentences
27. (A.A.) isurid: taqduhtns ayn a ?
(A.S.) isulid; taqnu stn:;s adin ?
Isn't it his pot over there?
B.1 Verbal: Affirmative
B.1.l Sentences having one verb. Examples:
28. (A.A.) tl:a
(A.S.) tl:a
da
da
She is here.
29. (A.A.) tZ;a
(A.S.) tl:a
ytxamt
ytxant
.
It (f) is in the tent.
30. (A.A.) td:u
(A .S. ) traly}
yr txamt
yr txamt .
She went to the tent.
31. (A.A.) 4:imn yfas
(A. S.) q:qiln dy fas
They stayed in Fez.
293
Reference Grammar Tamazight Sentences
32. (A .A.) dayxd: m imuha yr: bad
(A.S.) 1: ayxcl : m uha yr :bad
Mohamed works in Eabat.
33. (A .A.) ha niiha id: ad
(A.S.) ha miha irahd:
Here comes Mohamed.
(A.S.) yusas qli iflus inuha
Aly gave Miuha money.
35. (A.A.) iwdnn; s'ari axatar
(A.S.) iwdnn: lv'ri amq; ran
They reached (there) the high mountain.
36. (A.A.) dat~ls'abn 1wasun k~u sbah
(A.S.) 1:at~lc':abn lwasun kul: s~bah
The kids play every morning.
37. (A.A.) imun mul~a dfadxna sahidus
(A.S.) imun muha dfadma yruhidus
29 4
Reference
38.
M
Grammar Tamazight
(A,A.) adid:u yr tad:artns
(A.S.) adirah yr tad:artn:s
He will go home.
Sentences
Notice that the word order of sentences consisting only
of a verb and its subject is preferably:
Verb + Subject [in Construct State)
but sometimes can be:
Subject [in Free State] + Verb
Compare members of the following pairs:
39. (A.A.) if:y umaziy
(A.S.) if:y umaziy
The Berber went out.
.
.
and
40. (A.A.) amaziy
(A.S.) amaziy
The Berber went
if:y .
if:y
out.
295
Reference
41.
1.
Grammar
(A.A.)
(A.S. )
The man
U-No
Tamazight
i swa urgaz atay
iswii uryaz a~t :ay
drank tea.
Sentences
and
42. (A.A.)
(A.S.)
The man
argaz
aryaz
drank
i swa at ay
i swu at: ay
tea.
argaz t: and : ut :
aryaz t: mt:ut:
and the woman.
43. (A.A.) zriy
(A.S.) zrix
I saw the man
and
44. (A.A.) Zriy tamUd;ut: durgaz
(A. S.) zrix taimt ;ut : duryaz
I saw the woman and the man.
45. (A.A.)
(A.S.)
It (f)
1±sa tafunast duyyuil
ttsu tafunast duyyu1
ate the cow and the donkey.
and
(A.S.) itsu uyyul t: funast
The donkey and the cow ate.
296
Reference Grammar
Tamazfight
Sentences
If any of the moveable affixes (i.e. object pronominal
affixes or particles of proximity, /d/ in A.A. and /d:/ in
A.S., and remoteness, /n/ in A.A. and /n:/ in A.S.) occur,
they are post verbal if the sentence does not have any
temporal or modal prefixes, prepositions or conjunctions, and
pre-verbal if any of the above elements does occur in the
sentence. (See Pronominal Systems 111.3.)
Examples:
47. (A.A.) isat(id .
(A.S.) yusastid:
He gave it (f) to him (nearer).
48. (A.A.) ifastid
(A.S. ) yusastid.
He gave it (m) to him (nearer).
49. (A.A.) iyrfastid.
(A.S.) iyrfastid.
He threw it (m) at him (nearer).
50. (A.A.) dastidit:awy
(A.S.) l:astidit:awy
He is bringing it (m) (nearer) to him.
297
. . ..
Refere
once Grammar Tamazight Sentence
51. (A.A.) yiwyastid
(A.S.) yiwyastid.
He brought it (m) to him (nearer).
52. (A.A.) isyad muha xmstaeE ntfunast
(A.S.) isyu d: muha xmstae5: ntfunast
Mohamed bought fifteen cows (nearer).
53. (A.A.) tsyad fadma rba yfuilsusn
(A.S.) tsyud: fatma rba y:azidn .
Batma bought four chickens (nearer).
54. (A.A.) argaz naa disyan irdn aya
(A.S.) aryaz din d:isyin irdn ayu
This is the man who bought wheat (nearer).
S
(Also see #73, 75, 81, 105, 106, 107, 108, and many others.)
The verb 'to be', /g/ in A.A. and /ig/ in A.S., occurs
in many structures preceded by /ay/ 'who, which, what'.
Examples:
55. (A.A.) taxamt urgaz ay tga
(A.S.) taxant uryaz aytiu
This is the man's tent.
298
Reference Grammar Tatuaz ight Sentences
56. (A.A.) iy: is ntslit ag:a
This is the bride's horse.
57. (A.A.) lig: buflm~am ay tgid
( A S ) s ; b l m a y t i itYo u a r e t h e p u b l i c b a t h a t t e n d a n t .
58. (A.A.) ayt c y0 as taq~bilt taxatart ay tga
(A.S.) ayt 'sy:as taq~bilt tamp,;rant ay l
Ayt Ayache is a big tribe.
59. (A.A.) fllC fi in slmn ay nga
(A.S.) ntsni imslnna ay niu
We are Moslems.
6o. (A.A.) nlc ni tarwa niwulay dris ay nga
(A.S.) ntsni dar:a nm ulay dris ay nzu
We are the offspring of Mulay Dris.
61. (A.A.) mi1ha argaz i zil1: ago a
(A.S.) wmha aryaz is dln ag:Eu
299
. .
Reference Grammar Tamazight
62. (A.A.) t awt izi: a
(A.S.) talawt itd1n ay
This is a nice song.
Sentences
rt tga .
tgu
B.1.2 Sentences having two verbs.
Expressing English 'to, in order to' is achieved by
the use of two verbs where the second is in the future form.
Examples:
63. (A.A.) id:a adixdm
(A.S.) irah adixdm
He went to work.
64. (A.A.) id:a adign
(A.S.) irah adi~n
He went to sleep.
65. (A.A.) d:an 1ahl 1: sil ad: s~utr: tarbat; ilahins
(A.s.) rahn lahl w:rba ads:utrn tarbat: ilahln: s
The boy's parents went to ask for the girl's hand
from her parents.
66. (A.A.) ikcmd adisl:m xf em:is
(A.S. ) yudfd: adis:m unu i .
He came in to greet his uncie (paternai).
.
.
300
Reference Grammar Tamazight Sentences
67. (A.A.) riy add: uy yr s:uq:
(A.S.) byix adrahx yr su:uq :
I want to go to the market.
68. (A.A.) riy aditrard yr tmazirtinw
(A.S.) byix aditr:t yr tmartinw
I want you to take me back to my country.
69. (A.A.) tra at:d:u yr t:is.
(A.S.) tbya at;rah yr ct:is
She wants to go visit her aunt (paternal).
The use of conjunctions necessitates two verbs. Examples:
70. (A.A.) cd: an win:a days:an lq:hwa imalik:an
(A.S.) g:utn idin is:n lq:hwa imarikan.
There are a lot of people who drink coffee in America.
71. (A.A.) nk :ni tarwa nulay dris n-a yndln
yfas ay nga
(A.S.) ntsni dar~a m:ulay dris udin indln
di f as ayniu
We are the offspring of Malay Dris who is buried
in Fez.
301
Reference
Grammar
10 - - 11
Ta mazight
RefeenceGrannar amazghtSentences
72. (A,A.) i32yfl:San1 zuha deli yr~badn: a
(A.S.) iXWu~s:Sfaniizha do ii ir~bad dindi
Muha and Aly got acquainted in Rabat where they met.
73. (A.A.) art:msawar; mime ast: g:an
at :nyin
(A.%S.) alt: msawarn misrn asy~azn
at :nyn
They were consulting how to manage to kill him.
74. (A.A.) ad :ay nra an g at ay dan s :naw aun
be da
(A.S.) ad: ay nlya an : E at ;ay l :an s :naw aman
bv da
When we want to make tea, we boil water first.
75. (A.A.) ad :ay yawd li ii xf yiwl , das t x t
ayt uxamns tarbat: n: as it: iibn
(A.S.) ad: ay yawl urba yyiway 1 : ast :xta'n
ayt UXBm.:8s tarbat: din asit~iv~ibn
When the boy reaches the age of marriage, his family
chooses the girl he likes.
302
Reference Grammar Tamazight Sentences
76. (A.A.) art~waryay~ am: i 1 an sb'c'a itran
(A.S.,) l: at: iriitx am~ani l:San sbr'a ytran
I dreamt of seven stars.
77. (A.A.) art~waryay is 1: an sbcla yiyun
(A.S.) l: at: iriitx is l: an sbc a yfunasn
I dreamt that there were seven oxen.
78. (A.A.) iyal 'is tga tamd.;ut: ivi13
(A.S.) in~a is tzu tarot~ut: i'siln
He thought that she was a nice woman.
79. (A.A.) l; iy t: isal xf inci tn :as ur yutri
(A.S.) z g:a t :is al xiidiIV tn : as ury'ri 1; in
When he asked her about wheat, she told him that
she has none.
80. (A.A.) iq :inl al :iy iwhl
(A.S.) iq; im az g: a yuhl
He stayed until he got tired.
.... .
Reference Grammar Tamazight
Conditional sentences have two verbs
with the conditional particles:
mi (A.A., A.S.)
mr (A.A., A.S. )
miur (A.A., A.S.)
mrid: (A.A.)
mlid: (A.S.)
6-
Sentences
also and occur
if (possible, probable)
if (impossible, contrary
to fact)
if not (possible)
if not (impossible,
contrary to fact)
if not (impossible,
contrary to fact)
.mm.
Examples :
82. (A.A.) ms iwta wnzar urt:f:q,:
(A.S.) ms iwtu wnzar urt:f x:
If it rains I will not go out.
83. (A.A.) ms qbl: , dat: d:un adgd'n
(A.S.) mE gbln , 1:ag:urn adqden
If they agree, they go register the marriage.
84. (A.A.) ms trid at:g: anid al: ask: a
(A.S. ) ME tbyit at:riit , al:utsa.
If you want to wait, let it be tomorrow.
85. (A.A.) ms dhr: isignaw , adiwt unzar
(A.S.) mi sdhrn isinaw , adiwt unzar
If clouds appear, it will rain.
al + dut~a
304
Reference Grammar Tamazight Sentences
86. (A.A.) ms syay sa , td~ut at~an; ayt
adbib
. 00.0
If you are sick, go and see the doctor.
(A. S.) ms qbln , l: ayg:ur urba t: rbat:
dlahln :sn y1l biru acdqdsn
If they agree, the boy and the girl and their parents
go to register.
88. (A.A.) msur astidisi adasti s:utr
(A.S.) msu~r astidiwsi adastis:utr
If he does not give it (in) to him (nearer), he will
ask him for it (in).
89. (A.A.) instrdid: i ask, a add:uy y'r midlt
(A.S.) masur d: irah dut sa adwa~vdx mi dlt
If he does not come tomorrow, I will go to Midelt.
90. (A.A.) msu~r dtcl i fadma as: a., and:u
ad:yifsnk: ask: a iiit
Reference Grammar Tamazight Sentences
91. (A.A.) mr turi 1: in irius idis i , l: asyiy
igran neli.
(A.S.) mr Sri lain.nlflus idn: at: , 1: as-yix
izran neli
If I had the money yesterday, I would have bought
Aly's fields.
92. (A.A.) mr it:n; id adasiniy aditntidi .
(A.S.) mr it:n:it 1;anixas aditntid: iw .
Had you told me, I would have asked him to give them (f)
to me.
93. (A.A.) mrid: isuridawa d:alb lei1l; aym:ut
(A.S.) mlid: isuridawa t :alb arba 1: aym:ut
Had the Sheikh not cured the boy, he would have died.
94. (A.A.) mrid3 istzriy idl:i , 1:aiyas 1TEhab .
(A.S.) mlid: is tzrix idn:at: l:awsixas lhab
If I had seen him yesterday, I would have given him
the amulet.
95. (A.A.) imrid: isurdhirn isigriaw idl: i urik:aat
unzar as- a
(A.S.) mlid: isurdhirn isinaw idn:at: uritsat
unzjar idu.
Had clouds not appeared yesterday, rain would not
have fallen today.
306
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Sentences-
96. (A.A.) mrid: issurastidi~i , adastissutr
(A.S.) mlid: isurastidiwii , adastis~utr
Had he not given it (m) to him (nearer ), he would
have asked him for it (m).
97. (A.A.) mrid: Ea yadn urt: it sawy sql3 m
st:my:at ryal
(A.S.) mlid: hd: dnin , urtsitsawy sql:
mn st:my:at ryal .
If it were somebody else, I would not have sold it (f )
for less than 600 Rials.
The use of Aorist in narration to denote a perfective, imper-
fective or future action (i.e. past, present or future) is
exemplified in the following sentences.
98. (A.A.) idl:i id:aT
day itayd:)
(A.S.) idn~at: irah
day itid yr
miha yr sauq: isy sk:r
yr tad:art
miha yr sauq: isy sktar
tad: art
Yesterday, Moha went to the market, bought sugar,
then came back home.
99. (A.A.) k:u sabah ad:ay tksr
leafit day ts:nw aman
day tls ieban3 l:xdmt
g:its
day
day
dats:aya
tem: r atay
td:u sigran
307
Reference Grammar
Tama zight
Sent ence s
(A.S.) kul: s bah ad:ay tk:r agnud:m , 1:atasaya
leafit , day tsanw aman , day tem:r at:ay ,
day tird ieban: 1:xdnt day twat d i~ran
Every morning when she wakes up, she makes a fire and
boils water, then makes tea, then puts on work clothes
and then goes to the fields.
100.
(A.A.) ask: a adid:u yr s:uq adiz:nz inndi
isy yut tqb arut: , ie dl idula day
i c ayd: yr tad: art
(A.S.) dutsa adirah yr s uq: adiz~nz inndi
isy i~t ntqb:ut: , iedl idula day
i si dd: yr tad: art.
,
Tomorrow he will go to the market to sell wheat, buy
a djellaba, repair shoes, and then go back home.
B.2 Verbal: Interrogative
This is achieved by the use of this interrogative particle
/is-/ prefixed to a verb in the past (A.A. and A.S.) or the
interrogative particle lid:-! (A.A.) or /isd-/ (A.S.) prefixed
to a verb in the future. Examples:
101. (A.A.)
(A.S.)
is
is
if rh
if rh
maha
nha
Is Mohamed happy?
102. (A.A.)
(A.S.)
is
is
ism~r
ism:r
sauq: maduhu ?
s:uq:u mad ihi ?
Is the market full or not?
308
Reference Grammar Tamazight Sentences
103. (A.A.) isdatesam atay ytmazirtn:un mad uhu ?
(A.S.) ists:m at:ay itimrtn:un mad ihi ?
Do you (mp) drink tea in your country or not?
104. (A.A. ) id:adimeawan muha deli ?
(A.S.) isdadimeawan nuha deli ?
Will Mohamed and Aly help each other?
Notice that the use of the particles mentioned above
causes the moveable particles to be pre-verbal. Examples:
105. (A.A.) isastiyrrf ?
(A.S.) isastiyrf ?
Did he throw it (m) at him?
106. (A.A.) isastidisa?
(A.S.) isastidyuiu ?
Did he give it (m) to him (nearer)?
107. (A.A .) isast: iba ?
(A.S.) isastayuiu ?
Did he give it (f) to him (nearer)?
108. (A.A .) isastidit:awy ?
(A.S.) isastidit:awy ?
Is he bringing it (mn) to him (nearer)?
309
Reference Grammar Tamazight Sentences
Two verbs might occur in such constructions. Examples:
109. (A.A.) istrid at;dud yr sauqs ?
(A.S.) is tbyit at:rlat yr ssuq: ?
. .
Do you want to go to the market?
110. (A.A.) isaE inga adidsu ?
(A. S.) isa~s in: a dad; irah?
Did he tell you that he will go?
111. (A.A.) isd:an adqden ?
(A.S.) israhn adqden ?
Did they go to register the marriage?
112. (A.A.) idead:d:un adyifnyk;n ?
(A.S.) isdad: rabn adimxk;n ?
Will they come to visit us (nearer)?
The use of question words in interrogative sentences
is exemplified by the following.
113. (A.A.) mayr ida li
(A.S. ) maniyr irah eli ?
Where did Aly go ?
310
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Sentences
114. (A.A.) magsa s:uq: assa ?
(A.S.) mag:Eu s:uq: idu ?
How is the market today?
115. (A.A.) may yurun did:an ?
(A.S.) wid: yrun irah ?
Who came to your (mp) house?
Sentence #116 below shows that the moveable particle /-a -/
'to you' is preverbal in the environment of the question word /ma/
'what':
116. (A.A.) mais tga saaht ?
(A.S.) mai thu s: aht ?
How are you (ms) ?
B.3 Verbal: Negative
This is achieved by the negative prefix /ur-/ in A.A. and
A.S. before verbs in the past or /ur-/ in A.A. and /ul:i-/
in A.S. before habitual stems. Examples:
117. (A.A.) uryan ay ag:d yun bnadm
(A.S.) urizri ulad idi nbnadm
He did not see a single person.
3U
Refer
'enc e Grammar
118. (A.A.)
(A.s.)
N t ee11 9 . ( A . A . )
(A.s.)
I never
120. (A.A.)
(A.S.)
I never
121. (A.A.)
(A.S.)
I did~
122. (A.A.)
(A.S.)
I don't
123. (A.A.)
(A.S.)
Tamazight Sentences
urtyan :ay ag; d yun bnadm
urtizri ulad id~ nbnadim
rn a single person saw him.
urdz in ; an; ayy am: wa
urymri zrix am wu
. of
saw some one like this.
urdzin: d:W y'yr 5:Uq: flnidlt
ur c'r axyI s;Uq: nridlt
went to the Midelt market.
ur; iy ad~uy' (r s:Uq;
urbyix adrahixyr s : uq:
not want to go to the market.
urdayit; ivib t; f; ah
like apples.
urdat:d:uy yr s;Uq: nmidlt
ul;ig:urx yr B;Uq: nmidlt
go to the1 S2 - -IeL----arket. 1
312
Reference Grammar Tamazight Sentences
The occurrence of the negative particles /ur-/ or /ul:i-/
causes the moveable particles to be preverbal. Examples:
124. (A.A.) urdtd: i yr s:uq: as; a
(A.S. ) urd: trah yr s:uq; idu
She did not come to market today.
125. (A.A.) urn:t:d:u yr s:uq: ask:a
(A.S.) urn:tg:ur yr s;uq ; dutia
She will not go (far) to the market tomorrow.
126, (A A.) urtidniwy .
(A.s.) urtidniiwy
We did not bring it (m) (nearer).
127. (A.A.) urn: id: i yr s:uq: , urixdim g:granns
(A.S.) urn :irah yr s~uq: , urixdim g;Erann: s.
He neither went (far) to the market nor worked in his
fields.
128. (A.A.) urastidiMi
(A.S.) urastidyusi
He did not give it (m) to him (nearer).
313
Reference Grammar Tamazight Sentences
B.4 Verbal: Negative-Interrogative
This structure is achieved by the prefixation of
/isur-/ to a verb. /isur-/ also causes the moveable particles
to be preverbal. Examples:
129. (A.A. ) isurasti si?
(A.S.) isurastiwi ?
Didn't he give it (m) to him?
130. (A.A.) isurast:iditi ?
(A.S.) isurast:d:yui ?
Didn't he give it (f) to him (nearer)?
131. (A .A .) isurast: idit: awy ?
(A.S.) isurast~d~itsawy?
Isn't he bringing it (f ) to him (nearer )?
132. (A.A.) isurixdim nuha as: a ?
(A.S.) isurixdim muha idu ?
Didn't Mohamed cook today?
314
Reference Gramma r
Tamazight
Sentences
C. Imperative Structures
An imperative structure can occur without a verb, e.g.
(A.A.) the use of the particle /awra/ 'Come! '
133. (A.A.) awra
(A.S.) awru
Come!
Other than that, all imperative structures include a verb.
Imperative structures directed to second person may contain
one or more verbs. Examples of such imperatives with one
verb are
134. (A.A.) xdm I
(A.S.) xdm !
Work!
135. (A.A.)
(A.S.)
xdm amha t
xdm anuha I
Work, Mohamed!
136. (A.A.) xd m asidi I
(A.S.) xd: m asidi I
Do work, Mister! or Get in the habit of working, Mister!
315
Reference Grammar Tamazight Sentences
137. (A.A.) ns ylman
(A.A.) ns ylman
Good night.
138. (A.A.) ini neam imay .
(A.S.) ini neam iym:a .
Answer your mother.
Notice that habitual stems can occur to express an
energetic Imperative. Example:
139. (A.A.) Xd:m
(A.S.) xd:m
Do work! Or Get in the habit of working.
Examples of Imperatives having two verbs in the
imperative:
140. (A.A.) dau xdm I
(A.S.) sir xdm I
Go work!
141. (A.A.) dzut nnat
(A.S.) sirm nnm
Go together.
316
Reference Grammar
Tama zfight
Sentences
Refrene Gammr ama igt Sntece
Examples of sentences having one verb
another verb in the future to express such
to work" are
in the imperative and
ideas as "go in order
142. (A.A.) q3is Ea yzlan
(A.S.) q:is a yzlan
imuha adis:yd
izmuha adis:yd
Sing some scrigs to Muha so that he can hear you.
143. (A.A.) ad:ud atsl:md xf unbyi
(A.S.) awru at: sl; mt xunu i
Come greet the guest.
144. (A.A.) d:uyat at:z;nzm irdn
(A.S.) sirm at:z:nzm irdn
Go (mp) to sell the wheat.
145. (A.A.)
(A.S.)
d:uyat at:sl:mm xf muha
sirm
at:sl:rmm xnuia
Go (mp) and say hello to the young man.
Second person Imperative structures could be expressed
without the use of an imperative form. Examples here use
/ixs:a/ 'It's necessary, you have to' followed by a verb
in the future form.
146. (A.A.) ixs:a aditinid lhq;
(A.S.) its: adimit lhq: .
You have to tell me the truth.
317
Reference Grammar Tamazight Sentences
147. (A.A.) ixs:a aditidtawid adangayy
(A.S.) ixs: aditit:awit atszrx
Bring him here so that I see him.
148. (A.A.) ixs:a aditrzmd tawaryit:a
(A.S.) ixs: aditrzmt tirgit:u.
You must explain that dream for me.
Negative Imperative (second person) structures are
realized by the use of /adur-/ before a habitual stem.
Notice /adur-/ causes the moveable affixes to be preverbal.
149. (A.A.) adurdt:1eab da
(A.S.) adurd~t:eab da
Don't play (nearer) here.
150. (A.A.) adurastidt:awy
(A.S.) adurastidt:awy
Don't bring it (m) nearer.
151. (A.A.) adurastidtaksat dyi
(A.s.) adurastidttiitht durt:x
Don't give it (m) to him (nearer) now.
318
Reference Grammar Tamazight Sentences
First person imperatives (i.e. hortatory or cohortative
constructions expressing an exhortation or suggestion for
first person) occur with verb /k:r/ 'to get up' or the particle
/yal:ah/ 'let us'. Examples:
152. (A.A.) yal:ah answ atay
(A.S.) yal:ah answ at;ay
Let us (go and) have (drink) tea.
153. (A.A.) yal:ah andu answ: q:
(A.S.) yal:ah an-rah an; swq
Let us go and shop.
154. (A.A.) k:ray andau yr s:uq:
(A.S.) k;rax an:rah yr s:uq:
Let us (mp) go to the market.
155. (A.A.) k:ray and:u t;afad an:awd zik: answ:q:
(A.S.) k:rax an;rah t:af anaawd zip angsw:q
Let us (mp) go so we will be there early and stop.
156. (A.A.) k:Irntay and:u yr tad:art
(A.S.) k:rntax an;rah yr tad:art
Let us (fp) go home.
319
Reference Grammar
Tamazight
Sentences
Reference Grammar Tarnazight Sentences
The Aorist may be used after an imperative form to
express second person imperative. Example:
157. (A.A.) d:u yr
leafit
(A.S.) sir ye1
leafit
sari tzdmd: say syar:
tssnud aksum iwnbyi
leri tzdntd: Eay syarn
ts:nut aysum iwnuzi
tgd
tzt
,
Go to the mountain, collect (nearer ) some wood, make
a fire and cook meat for the gucst.
* * *
320
INDEX
Comparative Notes:
on Numerical System in A.S.,33
on Phonology in A.S.,19-20
on Pronominal System in A.S.,77-85
on the Noun,126-130
on the Verb, 216-239
Conjuctions:
of Ayt Ayache,141-143
of Ayt Seghrouchen, 143-145
Consonants:
alveolar, 2
alveo-palatal, 2
bilabial, 2
dental, 2
emphatic, 8
flat, 5, 7
fortis, 11
glottal, 2
labialized, 5, 7, 8
labio-dental, 2
lax, 2, 11
lenis, 11
list of, 2
non-emphatic, 8
palatal, 2
pharyngeal, 2
post-palatal, 2
pronunciation of, 5
/s/, tongue position for, 10
/s/, tongue postion for, 10
sfllabic, 11
/t/, tongue position for, 9
/t/, tongue position for, 9
table of, 4
tense, 2, 7, 11
uvular, 2
velar, 2
voiced, 2
voiceless, 2
Noun:
affixes
masculine singular, 93-94
masculine plural, 94-95
feminine singular, 95-96
feminine plural, 96-97
augmentative, 116
collective
plural, 117
singular, 116
composed, 118
construct state
masculine nouns, 119-120
feminine nouns, 120-121
conditions for, 121-126
definite, 92
diminutives, 115-116
gender, 89, 92, 93
indefinite, 92
number, 89, 93
plural
feminine external, 109-111
feminine internal, 111-112
feminine mixed, 112
masculine external, 97-104
masculine internal, 104-107
masculine mixed, 1o7-109
with /ayt/, 115
with different roots, 115
with /id-/,/ist:/, 114-115
stems
basic, 88-92
derived, 92, 182-185
unity, 117
Numerical System:
cardinal, 22-29
fractions, 31-33
ordinal, 29-31
Particles:
conditional, 150
derivation of, 200-207
interrogative (A.A.), 132-136
interrogative (A.S.), 137-141
presentational, 149
vocative, 150
Prepositions:
Ayt Ayache, 145-147
Ayt Seghrouchen, 147-149
Pronominal Affixes:
direct object of verb
affirmative, 49-52
321
interrogative, 61-63
negative, 55-58
negative-interrogative, 66-69
indirect object of verb
affirmative, 46-49
interrogative, 58-61
negative, 52-55
negative-interrogative, 63-66
Pronouns:
affixes (see Pronominal)
demonstrative, ha, han, 71
demonstrative, singular, 69
demonstrative, plural, 69
demonstrative, pron. suffixes, 69-71
indefinite, every, each, 76
indefinite, proximate, 74-75
indefinite, remote, 75-76
personal, emphatic, 35
personal, independent forms, 35
possessive, independent set, 36-37
possessive, pronominal suffixes, 37-44
relative, object, 74
relative, subject, 72-74
Semi-Vowels:
table of, 4
pronunciation of, 5
see also Vowels and Consonants
Sentences:
imperative structures, 315-320
verbal:affirmative, 293-308
verbal : interrogative, 308-311
verbal :negative, 311-314
verbal:neg. -interrogative, 314-315
verbless : affirmative, 287-289
verbless: interrogative, 289-291
verbless:negative, 291-292
verbless :neg.-interrogative, 292-293
Syllable:
structure of, 15
stress of, 17
Verb:
affixes
fixed discont. morpheme, 158=160
fixed prefix, 155-157
fixed suffix, 158
movable, 154-155
derivational processes
causative stem, 179
future tense, 195-197
habitual VH of unaug. stem, 176-178
imperative structures, 187-192
participles, 200-202
passive verb stem, 181-182
past tense, 192-195
present tense, 197-200
reciprocal verb stem, 179-181
list of(A.A.), 262-282
morphobhonemic sketch
examples, 210-215
general rules, 207-210
sample appendix A, 240-261
sample appendix B, 283-285
stems
ablauted, 160-173
basic, 153
conjugations, 170-173
derived, 153, 182-185
metathesis in, 165-166
unablauted, 160, 167-171
Vowels:
list of, 2
table of, 4
rules for allophones, 13
table of allophones, 12
322