Language/Lingala/Grammar/Using-Commands-in-Context

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Lingala → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Imperatives and Commands → Using Commands in Context

Introduction

Welcome to the "Using Commands in Context" lesson in the "Complete 0 to A1 Lingala Course". In this lesson, we will learn how to use commands in different situations, including polite requests, strong orders, and suggestions. By the end of this lesson, you will have a good understanding of how to form imperatives and use them appropriately in Lingala.

Don't miss the chance to check out these pages as you wrap up this lesson: Prepositions & Plural forms.

Forming Imperatives

In Lingala, the imperative form is used to give commands or make requests. It can also be used to offer advice. Imperatives are formed by using the stem of the verb without the subject pronoun. The final vowel of the stem is changed to "e" for verbs in the "k-" or "t-" classes, and to "i" for verbs in the "l-" class. For example, the imperative form of the verb "koma" meaning "to come" in the k-class is "kom-e". The imperative form of the verb "lima" meaning "to cultivate" in the l-class is "lim-i".

Here is a table showing some examples of the imperative form:

Lingala	Pronunciation	English
sala!	sa-la	sit down!
leka!	le-ka	leave!
tengisa!	te-ngi-sa	sell!
lota!	lo-ta	bring!

Note that in Lingala, the use of imperatives can be considered impolite or rude if used inappropriately. Politeness is very important in Lingala culture, and it is recommended to use more polite forms if necessary.

Using Commands in Context

Now that we know how to form imperatives, let's learn how to use them in different contexts. In Lingala, there are different ways to express commands depending on the situation and level of politeness required. Here are some examples:

Polite Requests

To make a request politely, you can use the phrase "na-ko-" before the imperative form of the verb. This phrase is translated as "please" and is added to show respect and politeness. For example, "na-ko-lungisa" means "please clean" and "na-ko-leka" means "please leave".

Here are some examples of polite requests:

Na-ko-leka oyo (please leave now)
Na-ko-koma soki ebele (please come here now)
Na-ko-ko-ya te (please do not go)

Note that the use of "na-ko-" is very important to show politeness, especially when talking to elders or superiors. It is always advisable to use a polite tone and a respectful language when making requests.

Strong Orders

Strong orders are used to give commands when things need to be done urgently or in an emergency situation. In Lingala, strong orders are generally used without any polite phrases or expressions. For example, "lungisa" means "clean" and "leka" means "leave".

Here are some examples of strong orders:

Leka oyo! (leave now!)
Lingisa yango! (clean it!)
Tata oyo! (take this!)

The use of strong orders can be considered impolite if used inappropriately. It is important to use them only when necessary and to maintain a balanced level of politeness in your language.

Suggestions

In Lingala, suggestions are often used to make recommendations or give advice to someone. They are less direct than commands and can be a good way to show respect and politeness. Suggestions are formed by using the phrase "tokokana na" before the verb. For example, "tokokana na sala" means "let's sit down" and "tokokana na loboko" means "let's shake hands".

Here are some examples of suggestions:

Tokokana na tosombole (let's dance)
Tokokana na sala (let's sit down)
Tokokana na kolia (let's eat)

Note that suggestions should be used with a friendly and respectful tone. They are a good way to show that you care for the other person's feelings and opinions.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have learned how to use commands in different contexts including polite requests, strong orders, and suggestions. We have also learned how to form imperatives in Lingala by using the stem of the verb. Remember that politeness is very important in Lingala culture, and you should always be careful to use the appropriate level of politeness when giving commands or making requests. With practice, you will become more confident in using imperatives in your everyday conversations in Lingala. Good luck!

Upon wrapping up this lesson, take a look at these related pages: 0 to A1 Course & Wh Questions.

Table of Contents - Lingala Course - 0 to A1

Course Presentation

Greetings and Introductions

Nouns and Pronouns

Numbers and Time

Verbs and Conjugation

Family and Relationships

Adjectives and Adverbs

Food and Dining

Prepositions and Conjunctions

Travel and Transportation

Lingala Culture and Traditions

Professions and Hobbies

Questions and Interrogatives

Daily Routines and Activities

Imperatives and Commands

Other Lessons

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