Proto-algonquian Verb Inflection

Abstract

Proto-Algonquian had 6 or 7 orders (morphological types) of verbs. The potential order had three modes, the subordinative two, and, by one interpretation, the conjunct had four. By another, all conjuncts are participles in the protolanguage. Evidentials include an attestive, suppositive, dubitative, and perhaps a recollective. Only a few obviative and inanimate subject endings are as yet distinguished from animate proximate ones, but indefinite subject endings are much better distinguished from definites in the protolanguage than in its daughters.