Language/Assamese/Grammar/Comparatives-and-Superlatives
Introduction
In previous lessons, we have covered the basics of Assamese grammar, including descriptive adjectives. In this lesson, we will build on that knowledge and cover comparatives and superlatives. Comparatives and superlatives are used to compare things, and express the highest or lowest degree of something. With the help of cultural information and interesting facts, we'll explore how to form and use comparatives and superlatives in Assamese.
Forming Comparatives in Assamese
Regular Adjectives
Comparatives are used to compare two things, people or concepts. In Assamese, comparatives are formed using the suffix "-আৰু (-aru)" which means "more". To form a comparative in Assamese, add "-আৰু (-aru)" to the end of an adjective. For example:
| Assamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ফাল্গুনত ধুলা (falgunt dhula) | /fʌlgʊnɔt dʱʊla/ | March's dust |
| ডিসেম্বৰত ধুলি (disembarat dhuli) আৰু মাই হাতৰ ধুলিখন নাই (aru moi hatar dhuli-khon nai) | /dissembɔɹɔt dʱuli aru moi hatɔɹ dʱuli-khon nai/ | December’s dust is more dangerous than mine (idiom: there is no touchstone like the month of December) |
Here, in the second example, "-আৰু (-aru)" has been used to form the comparative of the adjective ধুলি (dhuli) which means "dust". The comparative, ধুলি আৰু মাই হাতৰ ধুলিখন নাই (dhuli aru moi hatar dhuli-khon nai) means "December's dust is more dangerous than mine."
Irregular Adjectives
Some adjectives have irregular comparative forms or are compared using different adjectives. For example:
| Assamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ভালো | /bhalɔ/ | good |
| লোৱ | /lɔʊ̯ɔ/ | big |
| স্বচ্ছ | /ʃɔtʃʰːɔ/ | clean |
To form a comparative for these irregular adjectives, you need to use a different adjective:
| Assamese | Pronunciation | English | Comparative |
|---|---|---|---|
| ভালো | /bhalɔ/ | good | উন্নত (-unnot) |
| লোৱ | /lɔʊ̯ɔ/ | big | ভোম (-bhom) |
| স্বচ্ছ | /ʃɔtʃʰːɔ/ | clean | শুচি (-suci) |
In the table above, you can see that instead of adding the "-aru" suffix, we use a different adjective to form the comparative.
Forming Superlatives in Assamese
Superlatives are used to express the highest or the lowest degree of something. In Assamese, superlatives are formed by adding the suffix "-তম (-tom)" to the end of an adjective. For example:
| Assamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ভালো | /bhalɔ/ | good |
| ভালোতম | /bhalɔ-tɔm/ | the best |
| খাৰ | /kʰaɹ/ | sour |
| খাৰতম | /kʰaɹ-tɔm/ | the most sour |
In the table, you can see that to form the superlative, "-তম (-tom)" is added to the end of the adjective.
Using Comparatives and Superlatives in Assamese Sentences
Now that you have learned how to form comparatives and superlatives, let's explore how to use them in Assamese sentences.
Comparative Sentences
Comparative sentences are used to compare two things/people or concepts. In Assamese, comparative sentences are formed as follows:
S + ADJ/ADV + (AA) + -আৰু + S + ADJ/ADV + (NA)
In the above structure, S stands for subject, ADJ/ADV stand for adjective/adverb, AA stands for auxiliary adverb, and NA stands for negative adverb. Let's take an example:
- Assamese: মাঝখনত পানি চাৰিদা বেটি পোৱা হালি হালি লোৱ।
- Pronunciation: /mazʰ-kʰɔnɔt pani carida beti pɔwa hali hali lɔʊ̯ɔ/
- English: The water in the middle is bigger than the water near the shore.
Here, in the sentence, লোৱ (lɔʊ̯ɔ) which means "big" has been used in comparative form with the help of "-aru". The sentence structure follows S + ADJ/ADV + AA + -আৰু + S + ADJ/ADV + NA.
Superlative Sentences
Superlative sentences are used to express the highest or the lowest degree of something. In Assamese, superlative sentences are formed as follows:
S + ADJ/ADV + (NA) + -টো + N + -তেই + ADJ/ADV
Here, S stands for subject, ADJ/ADV stand for adjective/adverb, NA stands for negative adverb, N stands for a noun, and "-টো (-to)" is a suffix that makes the sentence superlative. Let's take an example:
- Assamese: মোৰ বনোৱা সপোন এটা ভালোতম।
- Pronunciation: /mor bɔnɔua sʌpɔn etta bhalɔ-tɔm/
- English: My dream is the best.
Here, in the sentence, ভালোতম (bhalo-tom) which means "the best" has been used with the help of "-tom". The sentence follows the above structure S + ADJ/ADV + NA + -টো + N + -তেই + ADJ/ADV.
Cultural Information and Interesting Facts
Assam is a state in northeastern India, widely known for its tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and the mighty Brahmaputra River. Assam is also known for several festivals and traditions that are unique to the region. The locals of Assam are welcoming, and their hospitality is well known in India.
One of the most significant cultural events in Assam is Bihu which is a set of three cultural festivals that are celebrated in January, April, and October. These festivals mark the change of seasons and are celebrated with song and dance. The traditional dance of Assam is known as Bihu dance, which is performed during the Bihu festivals.
In terms of cuisine, Assamese food is known for its simplicity and organic nature. The cuisine is characterized by a distinctive flavor and is known for its use of bamboo shoot, fish, and herbs. The most popular dishes in Assamese cuisine are Khar, Masor Tenga, and Pitha.
Practice Exercise
Now that you have learned how to form and use comparatives and superlatives in Assamese, it's time to practice. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:
- Form the comparative of the adjective কাঠাল (kathal) which means "jackfruit".
- Form the superlative of the adjective আগৰ (agor) which means "fast".
- Write a comparative sentence using the adjective পানি (pani) which means "water".
- Write a superlative sentence using the adjective ভাল (bhalo) which means "good".
Conclusion
In this lesson, we have covered the formation and usage of comparatives and superlatives in Assamese. We have also explored some cultural information and interesting facts about Assam. By using the examples and exercises provided in this lesson, you should be able to apply these concepts in your own writing and conversation. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be able to compare and express the highest or lowest degree of something in Assamese without any difficulty.