Review #5
Sumerian Verbs
True or False
Read the following sentences and determine whether they are ‘true’ or ‘false’.
- An intransitive sentence has a direct object.
- Sumerian verbs can be intransitive or intransitive depending on how they’re used in a sentence.
- Some Sumerian verbs have specific transitive and intransitive forms.
- Every Sumerian word has a unique cuneiform sign.
- To express ‘to be’ in Sumerian, you must use the enclitic copula.
Multiple Choice
Read the following sentences and choose the correct answer.
1. A perfective verb demonstrates an action that:
a) has been completed in the past
b) is expected to be completed in the future
c) is the unmodified form of the verb
d) all of the above
e) none of the above
2. Which of the following is NOT an example of an imperfective verb:
a) He will definitely built it.
b) He will not leave the house until further notice.
c) I went to the post office and might still be there.
d) You eat dinner in the evenings.
3. Which is the correct definition of the Akkadian word hamṭu (h.):
a) an Akkadian term meaning ‘fat’, referring to the Sumerian imperfective aspect.
b) an Akkadian term meaning ‘quick’, referring to the Sumerian perfective aspect.
Choose All That Apply
Read the following sentences and select all that apply:
1. Finite verbs in the perfective aspect are usually translated in the following tense:
a) past
b) present
c) future
2. Finite verbs in the imperfective tense are usually translated in the following tense:
a) past
b) present
c) future
3. Marû verbs are made through:
a) modifying the simple hamṭu form
b) reduplication of the auslaut
c) reduplication of the hamṭu root verb.
d) suffixing –e 𒂊 to the hamṭu root verb.
e) suffixing the nominalizing suffix -a 𒀀.
4. The enclitic copula:
a) describes states
b) describes actions
c) is used in intransitive sentences
d) is used in transitive sentences
e) is used in the future imperfective
f) is used in the past or present perfective
Answers
True or False
- FALSE—An intransitive sentence DOES NOT has a direct object; it’s intransitive because it DOES NOT transfer the action from the subject to the direct object (because there isn’t one).
- TRUE—Sumerian verbs can be intransitive or intransitive depending on how they’re used in a sentence.
- TRUE—Some Sumerian verbs have specific transitive and intransitive forms.
- FALSE—Many Sumerian words use the same cuneiform sign, and meaning should be derived via context.
- FALSE—To express ‘to be’ in Sumerian, you CAN use the enclitic copula, or the verb ĝál 𒅅, which means ‘to be’.
Multiple Choice
- A perfective verb demonstrates an action that: d) all of the above
- Which of the following is NOT an example of an imperfective verb: a) He will definitely built it.
- Which is the correct definition of the Akkadian word hamṭu (h.): b) an Akkadian term meaning ‘quick’, referring to the Sumerian perfective aspect.
Choose All that Apply
- Finite verbs in the perfective aspect are usually translated in the following tense: a) past
- Finite verbs in the imperfective tense are usually translated in the following tense: b) present, c) future
- Marû verbs are made through: a) modifying the simple hamṭu form, c) reduplication of the hamṭu root verb, d) suffixing -e 𒂊 to the hamṭu root verb.
- The enclitic copula: a) describes states, c) is used in intransitive sentences, f) is used in the past or present perfective
How Did You Do?
If you got more than 8 wrong, you may want to go back and review lessons 14-16.
