Die morfologie van werkwoordkategoriee

Abstract

The problem of the subject is treated in chapter 1, Terms like 'verb' , 'verb categories' , 'mood', 'tense' , etc. are clarified. The known divisions of verb categories in Sotho are supplied. This is followed by a discussion of the methodology. Throughout the whole thesis the three Sotho languages, i.e. Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho and Tswana, are treated on a comparative basis. The main categories A-F that have been established, are discussed in chapters 2-7. The next step is to ascertain which of the established sub-categories may be incorporated in their structures. By doing so the complete morphological sticucture of each main catcgory may be determined, analised and compared. The characteristic morphological and tone-morphological characteristics of each category is then summarised at the end of these chapters. In chapter 8 the proposed categorical system of Sotho is summarised as follows: Six main categories, i.e. A, B, C, D, E and f with nine sub-categories viz,. (a), (b); (i), (ii); 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The sub-categories are mutually combineable and also combine with the main categories to form the complete verbal system of Sotho. After the complete tone system had been supplied, the outstanding morphological differences between the three languages are discussed in brief. With reference to a paradigm of verb categories, the verbal system of Sotho is consequently given.