Language/Lingala/Grammar/Forming-Imperatives
Forming Imperatives in Lingala
Imperatives are used in Lingala to give commands, make requests, or offer advice. In this lesson, we will learn how to form imperatives in Lingala and how to use them in context.
Using the Stem of a Verb
The imperative form of a verb is usually formed by using the stem of the verb, which is the base form of the verb without any prefix or suffix. For example, the stem of the verb "kosa" (to wash) is "kos".
To form the imperative form, you simply add the appropriate suffix to the stem of the verb. The suffix you use depends on the subject pronoun you are addressing.
Subject Pronouns in Imperatives
In Lingala, the subject pronoun is typically not included in the imperative form. However, the suffix used to form the imperative depends on the subject pronoun you are addressing. Here are the different suffixes used to form imperatives in Lingala:
| Subject Pronoun | Suffix |
|---|---|
| 2nd person singular (informal) | -a |
| 2nd person singular (formal) | -e |
| 2nd person plural (informal) | -eni |
| 2nd person plural (formal) | -eni |
Note that the suffix -e is often used for both the informal and formal second person singular.
Examples
Here are some examples of how to form imperatives in Lingala:
- Kosa! (Wash!) - second person singular informal. Here, we have taken the stem "kos" and added the suffix -a to address one person informally.
- Kose! (Wash!) - second person singular formal. In this case, we have used the same stem "kos" but added the suffix -e to address one person formally.
- Koseni! (Wash!) - second person plural informal/formal. Here, we have added the suffix -eni to the stem "kos" to address more than one person either formally or informally.
Using Imperatives in Context
Now that you know how to form imperatives in Lingala, it's important to know how to use them in context. Imperatives can be used in a variety of situations, from giving orders and commands to making polite requests and suggestions.
Strong Commands
When giving strong commands or orders, imperatives are typically short and to the point. Here are some examples:
- Mola! (Stop!) - used to give a strong, direct order to someone to stop doing something immediately.
- Fongola mingi! (Open wide!) - used in a medical context to tell a patient to open their mouth wide for examination.
- Lekisa mboka! (Develop the country!) - used to express a strong desire for progress and development.
Polite Requests
When using imperatives to make polite requests, it's important to add a polite suffix or word to the imperative. Here are some examples:
- Kosalaka, tata! (Please wash, sir!) - the polite suffix -laka has been added to the imperative form of the verb "kosa" to make a polite request.
- Kotama, mama! (Please sit down, ma'am!) - the imperative form of the verb "lala" (to sit) has the polite suffix -tama added, along with the polite term "mama".
Suggestions and Advice
Imperatives can also be used to give suggestions or advice, often in the form of a question. Here are some examples:
- Pepa lokola nani? (Why don't you try it?) - the imperative form of the verb "papa" (to try) has been used in the form of a question to suggest that someone try something.
- Kokoma mingi soki olobi na likambo oyo? (Can you sing louder if you know the words?) - the imperative form of the verb "koma" (to sing) has been used in the form of a question to suggest that someone sing louder if they know the words.
Conclusion
Imperatives are an important part of communication in Lingala, used to give commands, make requests, or offer advice. By learning how to form imperatives and use them in context, you can effectively communicate with others in a variety of situations.
Upon wrapping up this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Create simple sentences in the negative & 0 to A1 Course.
Other Lessons
- The First 10 Verbs
- Plural forms
- Wh Questions
- Verb to be
- Create your first simple sentences in the affirmative
- The Future Tense To Be
- Subject pronouns
- Adjectives
- 0 to A1 Course
- Present progressive tense