Language/Corsican/Grammar/Negation

Corsican Grammar - Negation

Hi Corsican learners! 😊

In this lesson, we will explore the negation in Corsican language. As an intermediate learner, it is essential to understand the negation to convey a negative sentence.

Negating Verbs

To form a negative sentence in Corsican, we use the negative adverb "nò" (no). It is placed before the verb, just like in English.

For example:

• "Io ùn parlò" (I do not speak)
• "Io ùn ùnice" (I do not eat)

Let's illustrate this concept with some examples:

Corsican	Pronunciation	English
Ghjè fatta.	dzhe fatta	She has done it.
Ùn ghjè nunda fatta.	un dzhe nun-da fatta	She has not done it.
Hè andata via.	hey andata via	She went away.
Ùn hè micca andata via.	un hey micca andata via	She did not go away.
Avemu manghjatu.	avemu man-gya-tu	We have eaten.
Ùn avemu micca manghjatu.	un avemu micca man-gya-tu	We have not eaten.

Negating with "Piacè/Dispiacè"

"C'hè piacè" (it pleases me) and "c'hè dispiacè" (it displeases me) are common expressions to say "I like" and "I don't like" in Corsican.

For example:

• "Mi piacè u toccu" (I like the touch)
• "Mi dispiaccia u rumore" (I don't like the noise)

To negative this sentence, we use "nò" (no) just like negating a verb. For example:

• "Io ùn mi piace" (I do not like it)

Let's look at some examples:

Corsican	Pronunciation	English
C'hè piacè u caraqciolu.	che piace u kara-chee-oh-luh	I like the snail.
Ùn c'hè nunda piacè.	un che nun-da piace	I don't like anything.
C'hè dispiacè u fattu.	che dispiace u fattu	I don't like it.
Ùn c'hè nunda dispiacè.	un che nun-da dispiace	I don't mind.

Negating with "Averi"

The verb "avè" (to have) can also be negated by adding "nò" (no) before the verb. However, most Corsicans tend to use the auxiliary verb "avè" followed by "micca" to say "don't have".

For example:

• "Io ùnaghju un libru" (I don't have a book)

Let's illustrate this concept with some examples:

Corsican	Pronunciation	English
Avete fretu ?	avete frettu	Are you hungry?
Chì nò, ùn avemu micca fretu.	kee no, un avemu micca frettu	No, we are not hungry.

Negating with "Aghju bisognu di"

To say "I don't need", Corsican speakers use the expression "aghju bisognu di" (I need) and add "nò" (no) to form the negative sentence.

For example:

• "Io ùn aghju bisognu d'idda" (I do not need her)

Let's illustrate this concept with some examples:

Corsican	Pronunciation	English
Aghju bisognu di aranceti.	aghju bisog-nu di aranche-ti	I need oranges.
Ùn aghju micca bisognu di aranceti.	un aghju micca bisog-nu di aranche-ti	I don't need oranges.

Conversation

To better understand negation, let's have a conversation between two friends.

• Person 1: "Hè bello sta bellu sole" (It is beautiful with this sun)
• Person 2: "Per mè, hè tròppu callu" (For me, it is too hot)
• Person 1: "Ti piace u sole ?" (Do you like the sun?)
• Person 2: "Nò, cavaddu micca" (No, not at all)

Conclusion

In this lesson, you have learned how to form negative sentences in Corsican through multiple examples. Remember to use "nò" (no) before the verb for the simplest way to negate. To negate other sentences, use expressions with negative adverbs or auxiliary verbs.

To further improve your Corsican Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

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➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Sources

• Corsican Language
• Corsica
• Corsican Grammar