Grammar » 43 » Double Verb Endings for Questions

In this grammar note, we look at double (transitive) verb endings for asking questions.  These involve both a subject (the person performing an action) and an object (the person or thing on the receiving end of the action):

tukisivit? (single verb ending) Do you understand?
tukisivinnga? (double verb ending) Do you understand me?

Here are the simplest forms of these endings:

qaujimavagit? Do I know you?
qaujimavara? Do I know him/her?
   
tukisivinnga? Do you understand me?
tukisiviuk? Do you understand him/her?
   
tusaavaanga? Does he/she hear me?
tusaavaatit? Does he/she hear you?
tusaavauk? Does he/she hear him/her?

If these endings are added to a root ending in a vowel, they begin with the letter v:

takuviuk? Do you see him/her?   

If these endings are added to a root ending in -q, they begin with the letter q:

ikajuqqiuk? Are you helping him/her?

If they are added to a root ending in -k or -t, they switch the final consonant to -p and then begin with p-:

malik- to follow
malippiuk? Are you following him/her?