Aspectual derivations in one storyteller’s idiolect

Abstract

I present research on North Sámi aspectual derivations and aspectual auxiliary verbs in the context of storytelling. Three research questions motivated this study: 1) Can one tell the difference between subitive and inchoative –lit-derivations from verbs that describe movement? 2) What kind of relationship do momentaneous and diminutive derivations have? and 3) Is there a difference between using aspectual auxiliary verbs vs. aspectually derived verbs when expressing progressive aspect?

My research has shown that the subitive interpretation requires knowledge of the end point of the movement so one can tell whether the movement was completed quickly. For the second question, the answer seems to be that in those cases when there is no momentaneous –et-verb equivalent for frequentative –ut– and durative –at-verbs, momentaneous verbs can be derived with diminutive suffix –stit.

Concerning the use of either an aspectual auxiliary verb or aspectual derivation to express progressive aspect, there seems to be a difference. Usually with the inchoative derivation you can tell that one action or event is beginning, but with an auxiliary verb you can express multiple things beginning at the very same moment. Conative derivations express that some keeps trying something, but usually when using a verbal construct with an aspectual auxiliary verb the action of trying is punctual.