Details

General

Morphemic form: V{-uma}V
New orthography: -umavoq, -amavoq
Old orthography: -umavoĸ
Sources: [12, 14, 8]
Combinations: Click here
Left sandhi:
Truncative,
Right sandhi:
Default/none,
Inflection sandhi:
Default/none,
Stem type: Vowel stem
Diathesis: None
Valency change: Preserving
Valency:
None,

Description and behaviour

Form and usage:

The meaning of this affix is 'Subject Vb often', possibly implying 'because he enjoys it', according to the examples in Oqaatsit [14]. It does not appear to be used much, except in combination with N{tuq}V, 'use/consume'; see N{tuuma}V for this combination.

The affix does not appear in the Comparative Eskimo Dictionary [16], but the affix {tu(C)uma-} does, corresponding to the aforementioned combination N{tuuma}V. These authors relate {tu(C)uma-} to the affix {(u)ma-}, corresponding to V{-(u)ma}V, 'Subject is in a state of Vb'ing'. However, it is not entirely clear whether that morpheme is also the origin of the present morpheme, since the meaning is different.


Meanings and examples

Possibly implying 'because he enjoys it'.

  • kaffisuumavoq, he likes to drink coffee [14]

    Literally: 'he often drinks coffee', implying that he likes it. From kaffi and V{tuq}V with assibilation of /t/ to /s/.

  • timmisartuumavoq, he often travels by aeroplane [14]

    From timmisartorpoq, 'he travels by aeroplane'.

  • tupatuumavoq, he appreciates tobacco [14]

    Literally: 'he often consumes tobacco', implying that he likes/enjoys/appreciates it. From tupa and V{tuq}V.

  • allaamavoq, he often writes [14]

    From allappoq, 'he writes'.

  • pujortaamavoq, he often smokes [14]

    From pujortarpoq, 'he smokes (tobacco)'.