Page 92 - Bhojpuri Verb Morphology
P. 92
Number
Person Singular Plural
st
1 --/-- --/--
nd
2 --/-- --/--
nd
2 honorific --/-- --/--
nd
2 feminine --/-- --/--
rd
3 -/- -/-
3 honorific --/-- --/--
rd
rd
3 feminine -/- -/-
5.3
In Bhojpuri the copula functions as an identificational copula, stative. It has the
function of 'be' verb in the sentence. The 'be' verb always indicates present
references, because identification is regardless of time, and if something is identified
it is assumed that the identified object exists in present.
Though in Bhojpuri - and - both can be used in same sentence construction as
'be' verb but - is considered more specific, whereas - is used as non-specific or
just introductory 'be' verb.
(i) - 'to be' is used for equative identification. For example:
(72)
a.
-
He I-GEN brother be.PRES.MAS.3
'He is my brother.'
b.
-
She I-GEN sister be.PRES.FEM.3
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