The Archive Vol. 6, No. 2 (2025)

Voice-Aspect-Mood Paradigms in Masbatenyo

Abstract

This paper examines previous analyses of the Masbatenyo language (ISO 639-3 [msb]), specifically analyses of its verbal paradigms. By surveying through these past studies and gathering both dictionary and elicited data, this paper proposes a revised set of voice-aspect-mood paradigms for the language. In particular, this research argues for the existence of four modes in Masbatenyo, namely, the INDICATIVE, IMPERATIVE, POTENTIVE, and STATIVE. Contrary to previous studies, this paper suggests that some verb types like distributives can be subsumed under these four modes, rather than treated as modes in themselves. Each mode conveys a distinct view toward an action, and a set of criteria can be used to evaluate this. Each mode forms their own paradigm, using different affixes to represent the ACTOR, PATIENT, LOCATIVE, and CONVEYANCE voices. Similarly, each mode inflects for the NEUTRAL, PERFECTIVE, IMPERFECTIVE, and PROSPECTIVE aspects in their own unique way. Utilizing Nolasco’s (2011) stem-based approach, this paper also demonstrates how particular stems affect the manner of inflection, such as the choice to use reduplication or vowel lengthening.

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